Modi Government Open To Introducing AI Regulation Law But Societal Consensus Needed: IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw

The government said on Wednesday (11 December) that it is "open to the idea" of introducing legislation to regulate artificial intelligence, but but a "lot of consensus" is required for it.

In reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the Modi government believes in "democratising technology," contrasting it with practices under the Congress rule, a statement that sparked protests from the opposition.

Answering a supplementary query on potential legislation for regulating artificial intelligence, Vaishnaw highlighted that combating fake narratives remains a significant global challenge.

He said accountability has to be established in the society and the legal framework has to change for which "lots of consensus" is required because as on the one hand there is freedom of speech and creating of a real, proper news network on the other.

"There are things which need to be debated and if the House agrees and if there is a consensus in the society, we can come up with a new law. We are open to the idea," he said.

Vaishnaw noted that the government is supporting the establishment of AI data labs in tier 2 and tier 3 cities.

He informed the House that 8.6 lakh candidates have enrolled in the future skills platform.

India is a founding member of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) and has contributed significantly to its vision of advancing Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy AI globally, the minister said in a written reply to a query.

He said that the "Safe & Trusted‟ pillar within the IndiaAI Mission aims to encourage the adoption of AI in a responsible manner with the principles of safety, security, transparency, and privacy embedded in the design of AI technology to mitigate the AI risks, placing the idea of "AI for All‟ at its very core.

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