Editorial 2: The approach to regulating AI in India

Context

There are different ways to manage and regulate AI, and we can learn a lot from how countries around the world have dealt with data regulations and policies.

Introduction

Over the past year, the governance and regulation of AI have gained a lot of global attention. While the focus has recently shifted from social safety, inclusivity, and human rights to prioritizing innovation and economic growth, only a few countries or regions have introduced laws to regulate AI. These include China, the European Union, Canada, South Korea, Peru, and the U.S. (although President Donald Trump has now reversed the AI executive order from former President Joe Biden). Several countries, such as the U.K., Japan, Brazil, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Pakistan, have draft bills waiting for approval from their legislative bodies.

• A common approach globally is publishing a policy or strategy document.
• These documents outline intentions, plans, budgets, and a road map for using AI to boost socio-economic development.
• They aim to ensure growth is inclusive, ethical, and sustainable.
• Around 85 countries and the African Union have released official National AI Strategy documents.

India's Approach to AI Governance

• Lack of Official National AI Strategy: India does not have an officially approved National AI Strategy document or a specific AI regulation law.
• Focus on Government Mission: Instead, India has focused on a government mission designed to support AI development and adoption.
• NITI Aayog's 2018 Document: The 2018 NITI Aayog document titled ‘National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence’ provides comprehensive suggestions but remains a recommendation without formal government approval, implementation plan, or budget.

IndiaAI Mission and Its Goals

• Seven Pillars of IndiaAI Mission:
  • Innovative ecosystem
  • Skilled workforce
  • Safe AI development
  • Trustworthy AI systems
• Foundational AI Model: Several initiatives, including a foundational AI model, are in development.
• Advisory Group: An expert advisory group is working to develop governance framework recommendations. However, there is uncertainty about whether these recommendations will become official policies.

Benefits and Gaps in India’s Approach

Benefits

• Flexibility: Ability to adapt plans based on evolving technology, geopolitics, economics, and citizen sentiment.

Gaps

• Lack of Comprehensive Vision: No clear roadmap of India’s vision, priorities, capacity, or accountability mechanisms.
  • Initiatives remain reactive and may not follow a planned trajectory.
  • Potential dependence on individual leadership.

AI Adoption in India

• Global AI Development: AI development is mainly concentrated in U.S., EU, U.K., and China.
  However, India is witnessing a rapid rise in AI adoption.
• Potential Risks: As AI usage grows, concerns about discrimination, exclusion, unfair outcomes, cybersecurity risks, privacy breaches, and unequal opportunities are emerging.

Current AI Governance and Issues

• Voluntary Guidelines: Current AI governance in India is largely voluntary and lacks clarity.
• Lack of Public Awareness: There is little public awareness of algorithmic use, efficacy, or evaluation metrics in sectors like banking, insurance, education, healthcare, and public administration.
• Absence of Civic Discourse: There is limited discussion on issues like algorithmic alignment, model evaluation, data provenance, labour market disruptions, and cybersecurity and privacy risks.
• Concerns from AI-generated Content: India has already seen violence and social harm linked to AI-generated content on social media platforms in recent years.

Approaches to AI Governance and Regulation

• Global Lessons from Data Regulation and Policies:
  • Different countries have adopted varying approaches to AI governance and data protection, offering valuable lessons.

AI Governance Approaches by Country

• India's Potential Approach:
  • India could:
    • Adopt one of these existing models.
    • Develop a hybrid model based on the framework established by the DPDP Act, 2023.

Short-term Goal: AI Policy for India

• AI Policy for India:
  • A short-term goal for India to:
    • Pilot enforcement tools before formal legislation.
• Key Areas for AI Policy:

Essential Elements for India’s AI Policy

• Public Engagement: Urgent need for the government to initiate public discussions on AI use, ensuring broader participation and feedback.

Insights from 85 Global AI Policies

Conclusion

In conclusion, India's AI governance approach lacks a formal national strategy and faces gaps in vision, accountability, and public engagement. Drawing lessons from global examples like the EU, China, and the U.S., India must establish a clear AI policy, implement pilot initiatives, and encourage public discourse to ensure responsible AI development and adoption.