- The article discusses the Paris AI Action Summit 2025, co-chaired by India and France.
- Focuses on global AI governance, addressing challenges like the digital divide and AI safety.
- India is positioned to lead by leveraging its Digital Public Infrastructure and STEM expertise.
Key Applications of AI in Governance
- Policy Formulation & Decision-Making
- AI aids data-driven policymaking through vast data analysis.
- Example: NITI Aayog’s AI tool predicts socio-economic conditions using satellite images.
- Public Service Delivery
- AI automates processes, reducing delays and human errors.
- Example: India Urban Data Exchange (IUDX) enhances governance through data sharing.
- Law Enforcement & Security
- Predictive policing and real-time crime mapping improve safety.
- Example: Delhi Police uses AI for facial recognition in solving cases.
- Healthcare Management
- AI diagnostics and predictive analytics enhance health outcomes.
- Example: Niramai uses Machine Learning for early breast cancer detection.
- Agricultural Productivity
- AI optimizes farming practices and pest detection.
- Example: ‘Kisan e-Mitra’ chatbot assists farmers with queries.
- Justice Delivery
- AI speeds up case processing and legal research.
- Example: SUPACE assists judges in researching cases efficiently.
- Environmental Management
- AI monitors climate and pollution levels.
- Example: Google’s DeepMind improves weather forecasting.
- Education
- AI platforms provide personalized learning experiences.
- Example: India’s DIKSHA integrates AI for adaptive education.
Challenges Posed by AI in Governance
- Job Displacement
- Automation threatens low-skilled jobs; potential for mass unemployment.
- World Economic Forum predicts 75 million job losses in India by 2025.
- Algorithmic Bias
- AI models can reinforce discrimination based on biased data.
- Example: Amazon discontinued a biased AI recruiting tool.
- Privacy Risks
- AI surveillance poses threats to privacy and data security.
- Example: Delhi Police’s facial recognition system raises concerns.
- Deepfakes & Misinformation
- AI-generated content can disrupt governance and erode trust.
- Deepfake incidents surged by 550% since 2019.
- Cybersecurity Threats
- AI-driven cyberattacks pose risks to critical sectors.
- Nearly Rs 12,000 crore lost to cyber scams in 2024.
- Digital Divide
- Uneven AI adoption increases inequality, especially in rural areas.
- Only 24% of rural households have internet access.
- Environmental Concerns
- AI’s energy consumption and carbon footprint can conflict with sustainability goals.
- Weak Regulatory Framework
- Lack of comprehensive AI regulations leads to unchecked development.
Recommendations for AI Governance in India
- Comprehensive AI Law
- Draft a balanced AI law that ensures innovation while regulating risks.
- National AI Regulatory Authority
- Establish an authority for overseeing AI ethics and compliance.
- Promote Explainable AI
- Mandate transparency in AI decision-making processes.
- AI Sandboxes
- Create environments for testing AI applications with relaxed regulations.
- Indigenous AI Development
- Invest in domestic AI technologies to reduce dependency on foreign models.
- Combat Deepfakes & Misinformation
- Introduce regulations for AI-generated content to safeguard election integrity.
Way Forward
The Paris AI Action Summit is a crucial opportunity for India to shape global AI governance. By promoting balanced regulations, India can foster innovation while ensuring ethical standards.