In November 2024, after hours of discussing elderly care, a postgraduate student in Michigan, USA received a shocking message from AI chatbot, Gemini: “This is for you, human… You are a waste of time and resources… You are a stain on the universe. Please die.” It could have seriously affected a vulnerable person, especially someone struggling with depression. This highlights the need for strong AI regulations to prevent harm.

Growing Need for AI Regulation

• Beyond Borders: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing industries, economies, and global politics. AI’s influence extends across borders, with data, algorithms, and innovations moving freely between countries.
• Consequences for All: This interconnected world means we all face the effects of AI, both positive and negative. Because of this, global cooperation is essential to develop proper safety standards for AI.
• Where Does India Stand?: India, a fast adopter of AI, must take part in these global efforts. Currently, India does not have a national AI safety institute. Yet, international efforts to regulate AI are already underway.

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Global AI Safety Efforts

• International Network of AI Safety Institutes: In November 2024, the International Network of AI Safety Institutes was created in San Francisco. This network aims to bring countries together to ensure AI is developed safely. 
  • Seoul Statement of Intent: It builds on the Seoul Statement of Intent, which was signed earlier that year. This agreement encouraged nations to work together to develop AI safety science.
  • Objective: The network serves as a platform for collaboration, where experts can share ideas, create global safety standards, and address emerging risks.
• Where Does India Stand?: However, India is not yet part of this important network, even though it plays a major role in AI development worldwide.

Why India Must Join Global AI Safety Discussions

• Largest Users: India is one of the largest users of AI in the world. According to a Boston Consulting Group (BCG) report, India has an AI adoption rate of 30%, higher than the global average of 26%.
• ChatGPT Users in India: Additionally, India has the second-largest number of ChatGPT users, just behind the United States. 
• Need to Join the Discussion: As AI adoption grows across industries like healthcare, finance, agriculture, and logistics, it is crucial for India to participate in discussions about AI safety and regulations.
  • By joining the global conversation, India can ensure its AI ecosystem remains secure, ethical, and competitive. It will also help India position itself as a global leader in responsible AI development.

Risks of Not Engaging in Global AI Safety

• AI As Geopolitical Weapon: As AI becomes more powerful, countries like the United States have started imposing restrictions on its use.
  • For Example, the U.S. has suggested imposing export controls on advanced AI software, mainly to limit China’s access to certain technologies.
• Case of India: India could be affected by these policies as well, as AI tools and technologies essential for India’s AI development could become restricted.
  • Active participation in international AI safety forums will help India protect its interests while encouraging global cooperation.
  • India’s participation in these discussions will help shape global frameworks that promote fairness, transparency, and security.
  • It will also attract international investments, helping Indian startups access global markets and drive AI innovation.

India’s Experience with Technology and Inclusion

• India has a strong AI ecosystem
• India also has a strong IT sector and skilled workforce.
• Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): India has already demonstrated its ability to manage large-scale technology initiatives, such as Aadhaar (the national identity system) and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). 
• India can create affordable, scalable, and inclusive AI solutions.

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Way Forward

• Establish a National AI Safety Institute: The USA, UK, and Europe have already set up dedicated AI safety institutes to regulate and ensure the responsible development of AI.
  • India currently lacks a national institute focused specifically on AI safety, which is crucial to safeguard its AI ecosystem.
• Join Global AI Standards Platforms: India should actively participate in the International Network of AI Safety Institutes. This global platform allows countries to collaborate on setting universal safety standards and regulations for AI.
  • If India does not engage in the development of these global AI rules, it may be forced to follow foreign standards that may not suit its specific needs.
• Support Indian AI Startups in Global Markets: Indian AI startups need access to funding, international collaboration, and research opportunities to grow and thrive on the global stage.
  • Regulatory barriers for AI startups should be reduced to ensure they can compete effectively with foreign AI companies and make their mark in the global market.
• Focus on AI Ethics and Accountability: AI must be developed and used in a fair, unbiased, and safe manner. To achieve this, strict ethical guidelines should be enforced to ensure accountability in AI’s use.
  • Measures should be put in place to prevent the misuse of AI, such as the creation of deepfakes, spread of misinformation, and breaches of privacy.

Conclusion

As the adage goes, in global politics, you are either at the table, or on the menu. The time to act is now, and India must embrace this responsibility to shape the future of AI for the better.

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