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Artificial Intelligence

GS- III >>Science & Technology>> Emerging Technology

Context: With AI becoming an integral part of various sectors, including finance, healthcare, and governance, the need for regulatory frameworks has become a pressing concern.

Rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on India:

• Global adoption and economic potential: The adoption and development of AI have surged worldwide, with a projected addition of USD 957 billion to India’s economy by 2035.
• National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence (NSAI): NSAI has positioned AI at the forefront of the Government’s reform agenda, emphasizing its potential to enhance outcomes in critical sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and education.
• Facilitating specialized services and inclusive access: AI plays a pivotal role in facilitating specialized services such as remote diagnosis and precision agriculture advisory. It also enhances inclusive access to government welfare services through regional language chatbots and voice interfaces.
• Integration into society: Large-scale AI trials are conducted daily in various sectors, such as the use of CCTV cameras in Uttar Pradesh for crowd management during the ‘Prayagraj Kumbha Mela.’
• Research from IIT Madras: Researchers from IIT Madras are exploring AI applications to predict the risk of expectant mothers dropping out of healthcare programs.
• This approach aims to enhance targeted interventions and improve healthcare outcomes for both mothers and infants.

Concern for AI in India:

• Analysis: India artificial intelligence (AI) market size was estimated at USD 672.11 million in 2022.
• During the forecast period between 2023 and 2029, the size of India artificial intelligence (AI) market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 32.26% reaching a value of USD 3,966.51 million by 2029.
• Job displacement and ethical dilemmas: Contrary to initial fears of blue-collar job displacement, white-collar positions are now at risk due to AI advancements. Deepfake technology poses ethical challenges, potentially undermining trust in media and public figures.
• Lack of legal framework: India currently lacks a codified legal framework specifically addressing AI deployment and use. Sector-specific guidelines exist, such as those in the financial and healthcare sectors, but a comprehensive regulatory approach is lacking.
• Need for responsible AI management: Regulatory frameworks are essential to mitigate societal risks, fostering innovation while ensuring responsible AI usage.
• Potential disruption of employment: Concerns persist about AI displacing jobs, with a need for safeguards to ensure responsible implementation and prevent job losses.

Reforms required for Artificial Intelligence (AI):

• SEBI model comparison: Drawing a parallel with the financial sector, the AI regulator is envisioned to function similarly to the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
• Challenges of self-regulation: Models of self-regulation and bureaucratic oversight are deemed unsuitable for the dynamic AI space, emphasizing the need for a specialized regulator.
• Understanding technology: The proposed AI regulator should possess a deep understanding of the technology, prioritizing attention to its evolving nature rather than attempting to predict its trajectory.
• Creating a regulatory system: To regulate AI effectively, a robust system needs to be established, incorporating manual overrides akin to financial market circuit breakers.
• Ex-ante accountability: Emphasizing the importance of accountability, a system with ‘skin in the game’ and ex-ante accountability is advocated. Regular audits and transparency are crucial.
• Application of financial world principles: Highlighting parallels with the financial world, principles governing boards’ accountability in companies can be applied to regulate the evolution of AI effectively.
• Protocol development: The establishment of good protocols for developing AI regulations is deemed essential, ensuring a thoughtful and effective approach to governance.

Government Measures:

• Digital India Act (DIA): The proposed DIA aims to encompass AI regulation, signalling a proactive approach to AI governance. It focuses on defining and regulating high-risk AI applications, constructing frameworks for AI accountability, and ensuring ethical AI utilization.
• Government initiatives: The 2023-24 Union budget emphasizes ‘Making AI in India’ with the establishment of AI research centres in educational institutions. Initiatives like the National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) and NASSCOM’s Responsible AI Resource Kit highlight the government’s commitment to responsible AI adoption.
• Global participation: India, as the chair of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), actively contributes to the global discourse on AI adoption and regulation. The government sees AI as a dynamic enabler for technology and innovation, aligning with its G20 presidency agenda.
• Industry collaboration: Industry-driven initiatives, such as NASSCOM’s Responsible AI Resource Kit and collaborative programs like ‘Future Skills Prime,’ focus on upskilling professionals and promoting responsible AI adoption.
• Vision for AI Regulation: The current vision for AI regulation in India emphasizes flexible, policy-driven approaches that prioritize safety, non-discrimination, transparency, and accountability. Ongoing efforts by MeitY and NITI Aayog are crucial in shaping India’s AI policy landscape.

Source: www.thehindu.com