Programme of the Day | AI : विनियमन और जोखिम | 08 April, 2025

Summary

The Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, emphasized the importance of regulating Artificial Intelligence (AI) to balance innovation with public safety. Speaking at the launch of MP Sujeet Kumar's book 'AI on Trial', he highlighted the rapid growth of AI in various sectors and the potential dangers if left unregulated. Dhankhar called for a robust institutional framework and global collaboration in regulating AI. He stressed the need for transparency, legal clarity, and democratic oversight in AI's integration into society, especially to protect citizens' rights and preserve accountability in governance.

Takeaways

• 😀 AI is a rapidly growing technology that is impacting various sectors including daily life, science, technology, services, and business.
• 😀 The debate on AI has intensified, with discussions on its positive and negative aspects gaining attention.
• 😀 Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar emphasized the need for laws and strong institutional frameworks to regulate AI, acknowledging its potential for both constructive and destructive outcomes.
• 😀 The Vice President highlighted that regulating AI is crucial but challenging, much like harnessing nuclear power which can provide energy or cause destruction.
• 😀 The regulation of AI will shape the kind of society we aspire to be, with a choice between digital dystopia and a responsible, regulated technological future.
• 😀 The balance between regulating AI and fostering innovation is essential. Over-regulation can stifle innovation, but under-regulation can jeopardize public safety.
• 😀 An agile and empowered institutional framework is necessary to regulate dynamic technologies like AI, similar to how other industries have evolved.
• 😀 A global rule-based system for AI regulation is required, with alignment to international standards while asserting national cyber sovereignty.
• 😀 AI’s opacity challenges legal transparency and accountability, and current legal systems are not fully equipped to manage AI’s complexities.
• 😀 As AI technologies evolve, there is an urgent need for comprehensive standards and safeguards to prevent unintended consequences, such as bias or infringement on privacy.
• 😀 AI governance cannot be left solely to technocrats or corporations. Democratic oversight, citizen engagement, and transparency are vital for maintaining public trust and accountability.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the Vice President's speech on Artificial Intelligence?

The Vice President’s speech primarily focuses on the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in various sectors and the need for a structured regulatory framework to ensure its responsible use.

Why does the Vice President compare AI to nuclear power?

The Vice President compares AI to nuclear power because both have the potential for immense positive impact, such as providing energy or advancing technology, but they also carry significant risks if not properly regulated.

What does the Vice President mean by saying AI could lead to a 'digital dystopia'?

The Vice President warns that without proper regulation, AI could result in a future where technology controls society, and humans serve under AI’s influence, which could lead to a harmful and dystopian outcome.

How does the Vice President view the balance between AI regulation and innovation?

The Vice President emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between regulating AI to ensure public safety and encouraging innovation. Over-regulation could stifle entrepreneurship, while under-regulation could lead to harmful consequences.

What kind of institutional framework does the Vice President suggest for regulating AI?

The Vice President advocates for an agile and empowered institutional framework, such as a National Artificial Intelligence Authority, which should be independent but accountable, with representation from government, industry, academia, and civil society.

Why is there a need for a global regulation system for AI, according to the Vice President?

The Vice President stresses that AI’s global reach necessitates a global rule-based system to ensure countries align on standards and regulations, preventing the emergence of isolated or conflicting regulations that could harm international cooperation.

What are some of the legal challenges posed by AI?

AI presents challenges to traditional legal concepts like liability and accountability, as actions carried out by autonomous systems complicate the application of current legal frameworks. AI’s opacity further undermines transparency and trust in judicial systems.

How does the Vice President address the risks AI poses to job displacement?

The Vice President acknowledges that AI could displace certain jobs by performing tasks more efficiently than humans, but he also stresses the need for investment in reskilling and vocational training to ensure workers are prepared for the changes.

What role does AI play in governance and the legal system?

AI can enhance governance by improving administrative efficiency and decision-making, especially in the judiciary and legislation. However, the Vice President emphasizes that AI’s role should not bypass democratic oversight or the powers of elected representatives.

What is the Vice President's vision for India’s future with AI?

The Vice President envisions AI as a key tool in transforming India into a developed nation by 2047. He believes AI should be leveraged responsibly across various sectors to unlock growth and innovation while mitigating potential risks.