‘Global consensus must to face challenges in using AI for governance’

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 4)

 Global Consensus on AI Regulations

• At the AI Summit 2024 panellists emphasised the need for a global consensus on regulating Artificial Intelligence (AI) to address challenges such as copyright issues, data protection, and cyber vulnerabilities.
• Expanding AI’s application into newer areas of governance was a recurring theme during the discussions.

AI in Governance: Health Sector Applications

• AI has been effectively implemented in diagnosing tuberculosis, improving detection rates twofold compared to traditional methods.
• AI tools in mobile X-ray vans screened over 56,000 people, showcasing the technology’s precision in healthcare diagnostics.
• Potential applications include screening for refractive eye errors in children and detecting pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH).

AI for Wildlife Conservation

• AI solutions are being used to prevent elephant deaths on railway tracks in forested regions, mitigating human-wildlife conflict effectively.
• These initiatives highlight AI’s versatility in addressing complex challenges across diverse sectors.

Infrastructure and Contextual Safeguards

• The success of AI in governance depends on building robust digital infrastructure.
• Experts stressed the importance of creating AI models tailored to India’s unique cultural and regional diversity, including language, cuisine, and literature.
• A proposed AI safety institute by the Union government aims to ensure secure and ethical AI deployment.

Risks and Ethical Concerns

• AI presents challenges like bias, fairness, and risks exacerbated by generative AI, including issues of copyright, data protection, and cyber vulnerabilities.
• Safeguards are necessary to prevent misuse and to protect sensitive data, ensuring data localisation to avoid dependency on foreign entities.

India’s Role in Global AI Development

• India is positioned as a potential global leader in AI technologies alongside the U.S. and China.
• India should transition from being a consumer of AI to becoming a generator of AI technologies.
• Digitisation in governance is yielding efficiency gains, but data localisation and ethical frameworks are critical to achieving sustainable progress.

Way Forward

• AI should be deployed selectively, ensuring it addresses governance challenges effectively.
• Global collaboration and regulatory frameworks are essential for addressing emerging challenges while capitalising on AI’s transformative potential.