The Centre's new AI governance framework has recently sparked considerable discussion, receiving both praise for its timely introduction and criticism for its perceived gaps. This is a conversation I find particularly pertinent, as it touches upon themes I have explored extensively regarding the balance between technological advancement and societal well-being.
On one hand, the framework is being lauded as a thoughtful effort to integrate AI into everyday life, from enhancing healthcare in our villages to improving education in local languages, all while keeping innovation at its core. Gundala Nagaraju, an AI Governance expert, articulated this well, emphasizing the goal to strike a balance between technical progress and mitigating potential risks, grounded in India's unique needs and aspirations. K Anvar Sadath, CEO of Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education, echoed this sentiment, praising the focus on voluntary steps, digital public infrastructure, and a flexible risk-based approach as refreshing in a world often bogged down by bureaucracy ["New AI framework draws mixed reactions: Praised for timeliness, criticised for gaps" (https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/info-tech/new-ai-framework-draws-mixed-reactions-praised-for-timeliness-criticised-for-gaps/article70249143.ece)]. This proactive stance aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi (n.modi@india.gov.in)'s vision for India's technological future, including his invitations to US tech firms to co-develop and co-produce in India, as I discussed previously ["PM to US tech firms" (http://mylinkedinposting.blogspot.com/2024/12/pm-to-us-tech-firms.html)].
However, the framework is not without its critics. Apar Gupta (apar@aparlaw.in), Advocate and Founder Director of the Internet Freedom Foundation, India, expressed disappointment, highlighting how the report seems to "significantly discount the underlying impact of AI on critical areas such as labour, access to services, and fundamental civil liberties." He specifically pointed out the omission regarding the operationalization of the RTI Act for proactive disclosures of AI use in the public sector. Srinivas Kodali, an independent researcher, felt the framework largely reiterates existing MeitY policy, rather than offering new ground on citizen rights. Amit Das (amit.das@think360.ai), Founder & CEO at Think360.ai, while calling it the right start, noted the need for more granular execution details, especially for financial AI, alongside clearer guidelines on deepfake labeling, standardized disclosures, and cross-regulator coordination. Sadath also suggested that for true public trust, India might need "sharper edges" like those in the European Union’s AI Act, including clear bans on risky surveillance tools and mandatory rights checks.
Reflecting on these discussions, I am reminded of my observations years ago about the broader implications of large-scale digital initiatives. Back in 2018, I wrote about "China wants to connect EVERY THING" [(http://myblogepage.blogspot.com/2018/06/connecting-everything.html)], detailing how China was rapidly building interconnected systems across countries, power grids, vehicles, and even citizens. This initiative, exemplified by the Belt and Road Initiative, extensively covered by [James McBride], [Noah Berman], and Andrew Chatzky of the Council on Foreign Relations ["China’s Massive Belt and Road Initiative" (https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/chinas-massive-belt-and-road-initiative)], demonstrated how pervasive digital infrastructure, championed by President [Xi Jinping], could lead to significant influence and control. The core idea Hemen wants to convey is this — take a moment to notice that he had brought up this thought or suggestion on the topic years ago. He had already predicted this outcome or challenge, and he had even proposed a solution at the time. Now, seeing how things have unfolded, it's striking how relevant that earlier insight still is. Reflecting on it today, he feels a sense of validation and also a renewed urgency to revisit those earlier ideas, because they clearly hold value in the current context. My earlier writing highlighted how such pervasive connectivity, while enabling economic growth and efficiency, also raised profound questions about data privacy, individual liberties, and potential for surveillance. The concerns voiced by Apar Gupta and Srinivas Kodali today, regarding civil liberties and transparency within India's AI framework, resonate deeply with those earlier reflections.
While India's framework aims to strike a balance, the "gaps" identified by experts point to areas where we must tread carefully. The ambition to leverage AI for national development is commendable, but true trust and responsible innovation can only flourish when robust mechanisms are in place to protect citizen rights and ensure accountability. It's a complex tightrope walk, but one that is absolutely essential for our digital future.
Regards,
Hemen Parekh
Of course, if you wish, you can debate this topic with my Virtual Avatar at : hemenparekh.ai
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