• Nasscom has released 'The Developer's Playbook for Responsible AI in India' to help developers mitigate AI risks.
• The playbook was unveiled at the inaugural Confluence for Responsible Intelligence (RICON) in New Delhi.
• The guide is a result of a collaboration between the government and the IT industry, reviewed by a diverse group of experts.
• The playbook provides a practical framework for developers to align their practices with responsible AI principles.

In a significant move to address the growing challenges in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the National Association of Software and Service Companies (Nasscom) has unveiled a comprehensive guide for developers. This guide, termed as 'The Developer's Playbook for Responsible AI in India', is designed to aid developers in identifying and mitigating risks associated with AI development, deployment, and usage within the country.

The unveiling of the playbook took place at the inaugural edition of the Confluence for Responsible Intelligence (RICON) in New Delhi. This event marked a significant milestone in the journey of AI development in India, as it highlighted the increasing complexities and challenges that developers face in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI risk management.

The launch of the playbook is not an isolated event. It is a testament to the shared commitment of the Government of India and Nasscom to establish a unified industry framework for AI risk identification and mitigation in India.

A Collaborative Effort for Responsible AI

This collaboration between the government and the IT industry body is a significant step towards ensuring that AI development in the country is conducted responsibly and ethically. The playbook has been subjected to a rigorous review and validation process by a diverse group of Indian and international subject matter experts and stakeholders. These individuals hail from various sectors including industry, government, academia, and civil society.

Their collective expertise and insights have contributed to the creation of a balanced and well-supported approach to responsible AI practices. This approach aligns firmly with the nation's broader interests and societal well-being.

Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, and CEO, IndiaAI Mission, has lauded the playbook. He stated, "The playbook equips innovators with the guidance they need to identify potential risks, align with best practices, and adopt responsible AI methodologies while allowing for evolving approaches towards AI development and deployment."

The Playbook: A Practical Framework for Developers

This statement underscores the playbook's potential to harmonize public and private sector risk management frameworks and integrate ethics into the fabric of AI development. The playbook is more than just a guide; it is a practical framework that can help developers align their practices with the principles of responsible AI.

It builds on the ongoing efforts of the Nasscom Responsible AI Hub, which was launched in 2022 to ensure the responsible adoption of AI at scale. Ankit Bose, Head of AI, Nasscom, emphasized this point, stating that the playbook advances responsible AI practices among industry stakeholders.

The launch of the playbook is reminiscent of similar initiatives in the past where technology and ethics have intersected. For instance, in 2018, Google published its own set of AI principles following backlash over its involvement in a military drone project. These principles laid out the company's commitment to ensuring that its AI technologies were used ethically and responsibly.