Context

The Summit of the Future, taking place on September 22-23, 2024, will be a pivotal event for global diplomacy and the establishment of international norms regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI). At this summit, world leaders and stakeholders will gather under the United Nations to advance the Global Digital Compact (GDC). The GDC aims to create a collaborative multi-stakeholder framework to bridge the digital divide, promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and foster a secure and inclusive digital environment

Geopolitical Contestation

UN General Assembly Resolutions:  the UN recently adopted two resolutions on AI led by U.S and China

U.S led resolution: Title: ‘Safe, Secure and Trustworthy AI for Sustainable Development’

o   Focus: Harmonized AI governance, shared ethical principles, data protection, transparency standards.

o   Objective: Assert dominance in AI technology and influence global development terms.

China-Led Resolution: Title: ‘Enhancing Cooperation on Capacity Building of AI’

o   Focus: Equitable AI benefits, bridging the digital divide, promoting an open and non-discriminatory business environment.

o   Objective: Prioritize inclusivity, equitable development, and position China as a key player in global trade and technology standards.

UN's Role:

o   Emerging as the central forum for shaping and harmonizing global AI standards.

o   Provides an inclusive platform for addressing challenges, reconciling national interests, and promoting international cooperation.

India’s Strategic Position:

o   Engagement: Active at the UN, G-20, and Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI).

o   Opportunity to align the Global Digital Compact (GDC) with developmental priorities and ethical standards.

o   Focus on bridging the global digital divide and addressing the interests of the Global South.

India’s Diplomatic Weight and Role in AI Governance

Historical Leadership:

·       Green Group Alliance: Formed with 72 developing countries at the UNFCCC’s first Conference of Parties to counter stringent demands from developed countries.

·       BASIC Group: Collaborated with Brazil, South Africa, and China in the 2000s to protect developmental and poverty reduction goals.

Active Participation:

·       Paris Agreement: Advocated for fair terms and obligations reflecting the capabilities and needs of developing countries.

·       Dubai Summit: Reaffirmed commitment to equitable terms for developing nations. 

Challenges and Advocacy in AI:

·       Structural Inequalities: Faces challenges like limited advanced computing infrastructure, high-quality data sets, and capital.

·       Equity and Fairness: Emphasizes the need for discussions on AI governance to include equity, accessibility, and fairness.

Recent Achievements:

·       G-20 New Delhi Leaders Declaration: Highlighted the importance of fair access to AI resources and equitable sharing of benefits.

·       GPAI Ministerial Declaration: Focused on mitigating risks and fostering international cooperation.

UN’s Role:

·       Legitimacy: The UN provides a universal platform with a framework grounded in rule of law, UDHR, and SDGs.

·       Coalition Building: India’s expertise in forming coalitions can help amplify the voices of developing countries at the UN.

Strategic Actions for India:

·       Advocate for Equitable Access: Push for fair access to AI technology, technical capacity building, and knowledge sharing mechanisms.

·       Inclusive Multi-Stakeholder Model: Redefine the model to include voices from the Global South, particularly marginalized and under-represented groups.

·       Comprehensive Approach: Promote AI governance that respects human rights, aligns with international laws, and ensures inclusivity and fairness in AI systems.

Opportunity for India:

Use the UN platform to advance global AI governance, ensuring the interests of developing countries are represented and that AI benefits are distributed equitably.

Addressing Challenges in AI Governance

Bipolar Dynamics:

·       U.S. and China Influence: Both countries are steering AI governance to advance their strategic interests.

·       Risk of Sidelining: Unique needs and perspectives of the Global South may be overlooked in this dynamic.

Gaps between Developed and Developing Countries:

·       Resource Disparity: Developed countries have abundant resources, while developing countries face basic infrastructure deficits.

·       Essential Needs: Lack of infrastructure, Internet access, and electricity impedes AI advancements in developing countries.

Challenges in Policy and Frameworks:

·       Localized Understanding: Policies may fail to address specific challenges faced by developing countries if not based on local contexts.

·       Effectiveness and Inequality: Inadequate policies can limit the effectiveness of global AI governance initiatives and worsen existing inequalities.

India’s Role and Strengths:

·       Historical Advocacy: India’s legacy of supporting Global South interests and its active role in international forums.

·       Positioning: As a Global South country with relevant experience, India is well-positioned to lead discussions on fair and inclusive AI governance.

·       Balanced Approach: India’s involvement can help ensure a more balanced and sustainable digital future, advancing both its own interests and those of developing nations.

India’s AI governance

Some key aspects of India's approach to AI governance:

·       Policy Frameworks: India’s national strategy for AI, outlined in the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence (NSAI) released in 2018, aims to position the country as a global leader in AI by promoting research, development, and application of AI technologies. The strategy emphasizes sectors like healthcare, agriculture, education, and smart cities.

·       Ethics and Regulation: The Indian government has acknowledged the need for ethical guidelines and regulatory frameworks for AI. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has been working on policies to address issues related to AI, including data privacy, algorithmic transparency, and accountability.

·       Data Protection: Data privacy is a critical concern in AI governance. The Personal Data Protection Bill, which aims to establish a comprehensive data protection regime, has been a significant legislative step. This bill addresses how personal data is collected, stored, and processed, impacting AI systems that rely on large datasets.

·       AI Research and Development: India is investing in AI research through initiatives like the National AI Portal and funding for AI research projects. The government collaborates with academic institutions and private sector players to drive innovation and build AI talent.

·       Collaborations and Partnerships: India is engaging in international collaborations and partnerships to enhance its AI capabilities. This includes working with other countries and global organizations to share best practices, research findings, and technological advancements.

·       Skill Development: Recognizing the importance of human capital in AI, India is focusing on skill development and education in AI. Various programs and initiatives are being implemented to train individuals in AI technologies and data science.

·       AI for Social Good: The Indian government is also promoting the use of AI for social impact, including projects aimed at improving healthcare delivery, agriculture productivity, and disaster management.

Conclusion

AI governance involves creating a balanced framework that promotes innovation while addressing ethical, legal, and societal challenges. It requires a thoughtful approach to ensure that AI technologies are developed and deployed responsibly, with transparency and accountability. Effective governance includes establishing robust regulatory frameworks to manage data privacy and security, fostering collaboration among governments, industry, and academia, and actively engaging the public to reflect societal values. As AI continues to evolve, governance structures must be adaptable and forward-thinking, ensuring that technological advancements benefit society while mitigating potential risks and ethical concerns.

Source: THE HINDU