• India is developing an AI policy in collaboration with UNESCO and Ikigai Law, aiming for ethical AI adoption.
• S Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, emphasized the need for transparency, data privacy, and security in AI governance.
• The policy is part of India's AI Mission, which aims to promote indigenous frameworks and democratize AI benefits.
• The AI policy, along with other government initiatives, is set to shape the future of technology and innovation in India.

India is set to make a significant stride towards the responsible and ethical adoption of artificial intelligence (AI). The country is developing an AI policy that aligns with global ethical standards. This initiative, announced on November 16, is a collaborative effort between UNESCO, the IT Ministry, and public policy firm Ikigai Law. The policy aims to ensure AI for All, promoting the technology's use across various sectors.

S Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, emphasized the urgent need for individuals to be equipped with the right awareness, ability, and tools for effective AI governance. Speaking at an event in the national capital, Krishnan underscored the importance of fostering innovation while prioritizing transparency, data privacy, and security, in alignment with global AI standards.

The Digital Personal Data Protection Act plays a critical role in advancing responsible AI practices, Krishnan noted. He also reaffirmed India's active participation in international AI forums to balance innovation with regulation. This balance is crucial in the rapidly evolving AI landscape, where the potential for misuse is as significant as the opportunities for advancement.

AI Policy: A Step Towards Responsible Innovation

The event marked the beginning of a series of consultations aimed at crafting an India-specific AI policy report. The report's objective is to identify strengths and growth opportunities within India's AI ecosystem, providing actionable insights for the responsible and ethical adoption of AI across various sectors.

This initiative comes at a crucial moment as India embarks on its ambitious INDIA AI Mission, backed by over Rs 10,000 crore in funding. The mission aims to promote indigenous frameworks, robust governance tools, and self-assessment guidelines, thereby empowering innovators and democratizing AI benefits across sectors.

Tim Curtis, Director of UNESCO's South Asia Regional Office, highlighted the synergy between UNESCO's ethical AI initiatives and the INDIA AI Mission. Both initiatives share a vision of promoting ethical AI development through strategic alignment and actionable policy frameworks, underscoring their mutual commitment to fostering a responsible and inclusive AI ecosystem.

Historical Precedents and Future Prospects

In the past, similar initiatives have been undertaken to align technological advancements with ethical standards. For instance, the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) was a significant step towards ensuring data privacy and security in the digital age. Similarly, the United States' Federal Trade Commission has guidelines for AI and algorithmic transparency.

The development of an AI policy in India is a significant step in a similar direction. It is a recognition of the transformative potential of AI and the need for a robust framework to guide its adoption. The policy will not only shape the future of AI in India but also contribute to the global discourse on ethical AI.

In addition to the AI policy, the government has also been focusing on other sectors. For instance, the recent budget announcement has been lauded for its focus on women, youth, and job creation. The budget has allocated Rs 1.48 lakh crore for education, employment, and skilling, expected to benefit 2.1 lakh youths, particularly first-time job seekers.

The government has also taken steps to ease access to educational loans, with e-vouchers for loans up to Rs. 10 lakh for higher education in domestic institutions. A new centrally sponsored scheme aims to skill 20 lakh youth over five years. The proposal to upgrade around 1,000 industrial training institutes will help elevate the quality and relevance of the courses and ensure that they meet industry standards.