On Wednesday, IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized the urgent need for a collective global effort to address the risks posed by artificial intelligence (AI) and to establish appropriate limitations to safeguard users during his address at Global IndiaAI Summit, New Delhi. Highlighting the multiplying effect of AI on threats like disinformation and fake news, Vaishnaw called for a unified global approach to tackle these challenges.
‘We have seen how big a threat disinformation, misinformation, and fake news can be. The threat gets multiplied manifold by the power of AI,’ Vaishnaw stated. He underscored that this is a universal issue, necessitating a global solution developed through collaborative thought processes.
As India contemplates regulatory measures for AI, the government is currently adopting a wait-and-watch strategy. Potential amendments to IT rules for the responsible use of AI are being considered to strike a balance between innovation and risk containment. ‘AI can be a very big tool to solve problems. Simultaneously, we need to contain the risks,’ Vaishnaw added.
Globally, both the European Union and the United States have implemented regulatory frameworks to address AI risks, with the AI Act and executive orders, respectively.
In tandem with regulatory efforts, the Indian government has launched the ambitious ₹10,000-crore IndiaAI mission, aimed at bolstering startups and researchers with essential compute infrastructure. Vaishnaw announced that foundational work for the IndiaAI mission has commenced, with an official launch expected within 2-3 months.
The mission is built on seven pillars: AI compute foundation models, datasets, platforms, AI applications, scaling startups, and frameworks for safe and trusted AI. ‘We will procure 10,000 or more graphics processing units (GPUs) under a public-private partnership so that the efficiencies of the industry can be harnessed for a bigger cause,’ Vaishnaw revealed.
Key initiatives include the establishment of an AI innovation center and the creation of high-quality datasets to enhance startup efforts. Additionally, an application development initiative will focus on developing apps that address socio-economic challenges. To support startups, the government will soon invite expressions of interest from compute infrastructure providers, offering 50% viability gap funding for GPU utilization.
‘Our approach towards utilizing the potential of AI has been to democratize technology,’ Vaishnaw stated. He emphasized the importance of making technology accessible to all, noting the growing expense and tendency for technology to become concentrated in the hands of a few, whether big tech companies or governments.
The IndiaAI Mission, approved by the previous Union Cabinet earlier this year, marks a significant step towards harnessing AI’s potential while ensuring its safe and equitable deployment.
