If you can’t lick them , join them

 

 

Context :

Digital Nagriks’ not to be experimented with ‘unreliable’ AI models, govt tells Google India .. BT .. 24 Feb 2024

 

Extract :

The Indian government, through the Centre, has issued a stern warning to Google India, cautioning against the experimentation with 'unreliable' algorithms or AI models on India's digital citizens, termed 'Digital Nagriks'. This warning comes as the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (IT) prepares to issue a notice to the tech giant regarding what it deems as "problematic and illegal" responses generated by Google's Gemini AI.

Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express the government's stance, stressing that the legal responsibility to ensure safety and trust rests squarely on internet and digital platforms.

Chandrasekhar emphasised, "Our 'Digital Nagriks' are not to be experimented on with 'unreliable' platforms/algorithms/models."

He reiterated that ensuring safety and trust is a legal obligation for these platforms and that simply apologising for unreliability does not exempt them from the law.

The minister's response was prompted by Google's acknowledgement earlier in the day, where the tech giant admitted to addressing the issue of controversial responses generated by its AI platform, Gemini, particularly concerning Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

A spokesperson for Google stated, "We've worked quickly to address this issue. Gemini is built as a creativity and productivity tool and may not always be reliable, especially when it comes to responding to some prompts about current events, political topics, or evolving news." The spokesperson added, "This is something that we're constantly working on improving."

The controversy arose when Google's generative AI platform, Gemini, responded in an "objectionable" manner to a prompt involving PM Modi.

Chandrasekhar, in a statement on Friday, highlighted that such responses constitute "direct violations of Rule 3(1)(b) of Intermediary Rules (IT rules) of the IT Act and violations of several provisions of the Criminal code."

In response to the uproar, Google has announced a temporary pause on Gemini AI's ability to generate images of people, as the company works to address the concerns raised by the Indian government and users alike.

 

 

My Take :

 

Dear Shri Chandrasekharji ,

 

So well-articulated, when you talk of “ Our Digital Nagriks “

Of course, Google ( Gemini ) – ChatGPT – Anthropic – Meta – Microsoft etc, will find a way to prevent recurrence of such abusive attributions to our celebrities ( Politicians – High ranking Ministers – Actors – Sportspersons – Authors – Artists – Editors etc )

But then it is a matter of a few months before anybody – and everybody – is enabled by AI , to generate DEEP FAKE videos / audios ( cloned voice like original , ala A R Rahman’s recent experiments ? ), and flood the social media , while leaving NO TRACE of the originator !

These fake “ Digital Nagriks “ will jump ( get forwarded ) from one smart phone to another , till it swamps a BILLION phones / tablets / PCs and , before long , TV screens – Alexa – and many gadgets / devices found in each home

It will be a Tsunami unlike any found in nature ! Unstoppable – because Untraceable !

And the first to get “ drowned “ will be the celebrities

What can they do ?

Beat the fraudsters at their own game .

By creating / launching their REAL “ Digital Nagriks “ before someone else does . Their own DEEP REAL

Like my own Digital Avatar  >  www.HemenParekh.ai { - even though I am no celebrity }

In this regard , you may want to look up my following earlier e-mails :

Ø  Dear PM - Here is your BRAHMASHTRA for 2024 ……………. 28 Feb 2023

Ø  AI Chatbot : Brahamashtra for 2024 Elections ? ……………… 23 Mar 2023

Ø  Dear PM : Introspection won’t help / Technospection will . 13 May 2023

Ø  Anuragji , how about this NEW TECH ?  ……………………………. 17 May 2023

Ø  Feedback is Good : Dialogue is Best …………………………………. 13 Jan 2024

 

Dear Shri Chandrasekharji ,

 

You are a technocrat – and quite capable of envisaging the future trends

And what I have said above is no “ Rocket Science “ either

You are also in a position to carry my voice to dear Narendrabhai

To create his DIGITAL – REAL NAGRIK , should not take more than a week !

 

With regards,

Hemen Parekh

www.HemenParekh.ai  /  25 Feb 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nuclear or Solar ? Choice is clear

 

 

Context :

India seeks $26 bln of private nuclear power investments, sources say   ..  Hindu  … 20 Feb 2024

Extract :

Central government will invite private firms to invest about $26 billion in its nuclear energy sector to increase the amount of electricity from sources that don't produce carbon dioxide emissions, two government sources told Reuters.

This is the first time India is pursuing private investment in nuclear power, a non-carbon-emitting energy source that contributes less than 2% of India's total electricity generation. The funding would help India to achieve its target of having 50% of its installed electric generation capacity use non-fossil fuels by 2030, up from 42% now.

The government is in talks with at least five private firms including Reliance Industries, Tata Power, Adani Power and Vedanta Ltd to invest around 440 billion rupees each, ( $ 5.3 billion ) the two sources, who are directly involved in the matter, said last week.

The federal Department of Atomic Energy and state-run Nuclear Power Corp of India Ltd (NPCIL) have held multiple rounds of discussions with the private companies in the past year on the investment plan, the sources said.

With the investment, the government hopes to build 11,000 megawatts (MW) of new nuclear power generation capacity by 2040, said the sources, who did not want to be identified as the plan is still being finalised.

NPCIL owns and operates India's current fleet of nuclear power plants, with a capacity of 7,500 MW, and has committed investments for another 1,300 MW.

The sources said under the funding plan the private companies will make the investments in the nuclear plants, acquire land, water and undertake construction in areas outside the reactor complex of the plants.

But, the rights to build and run the stations and their fuel management will rest with NPCIL, as allowed under the law, they said.

The private companies are expected to earn revenue from the power plant's electricity sales and NPCIL would operate the projects for a fee, the sources said.

"This hybrid model of nuclear power project development is an innovative solution to accelerate the nuclear capacity," said Charudatta Palekar, an independent power sector consultant who formerly worked for PwC.

The plan will not require any amendment to India's Atomic Energy Act of 1962 but will need a final go-ahead from the Department of Atomic Energy, said one of the two sources.

Indian law bars private companies from setting up nuclear power plants but allows them to supply components, equipment and sign construction contracts for work outside of the reactors.

New Delhi has not met its nuclear power capacity addition targets for years mainly because it could not procure nuclear fuel supplies. However in 2010, India struck a deal with the United States for supplies of reprocessed nuclear fuel.

India's stringent nuclear compensation laws have hampered talks with foreign power plant builders such as General Electric and Westinghouse. The country has deferred a target to add 2,000 MW of nuclear power from 2020 to 2030.

 

My Take :

 

I think it would be far better for India to spend this money on grid-scale Solar power , rather than on Nuclear plants

Following tabulation supports my argument . I request Energy Experts to confirm ( or disprove ) these figures :

 

Parameter	Surya-Ghar Scheme	Nuclear Power Scheme
Capacity Envisaged ( GW )	30 GW ( 3 Kw x 1 crore families )	11 GW
Investment Estimate ( Rs )	120,000 cr ( @ Rs 1.2 L / 3 Kw )	1,56,200 cr
Investment per GW ( Rs )	4,000 cr	14,200 cr
Expected Completion Time ( Yrs )	4	16 ( Target completion by 2040 )
% cost borne by the Govt	60 %	NIL
% cost borne by Installer	40 %	100 %
Est. generation cost ( Rs / kwh )	FREE	15 ( latest Jaitapur plant )
No of homes to be served	1 crore	1 lakh ?
Import Content	Nil	Enriched Uranium ?
Safety Record	Excellent	Excellent - but around the World, Nuclear plants are closing down
International Compliance Reqd	None	Several ( including inspection )
Supply of Fuel	Plenty of Sun-shine (300 days/yr)	Enriched Uranium in short supply
Reduction in GHG per year ( after full implementation of 1 crore )	210,240,000 tons	?
Earnings @ $ 10 / carbon credit	$ 210,240,0000 ( Rs 17430 cr / year  = 14.5 % on investment of Rs 1.2 lakh*crore )	?
Adverse Factors	Multi-story City buildings have roof area for only 10 % of the tenants of a building( for 300 sq ft / 3 Kw )	# Very high investment / GW # Very high price / Kwh # Long time to install #  Opposition from local people #  Reluctance of Funding Agencies

 

With regards,

Hemen Parekh

www.HemenParekh.ai  /  24 Feb 2024

 

Hats Off to R Prasad

 

Hats Off to R Prasad

 

In today’s Economic Times , he drew the following cartoon , titled “ Bell Curves “

Some 4 years ago, I conceptualized “ Single Unique Identity for Indian Citizen – SUIIC “ , in my following blog ( sent to our Cabinet Ministers / Policy Makers , through e-mail ) :

Ø  I am One , I will become Many …………………………….. 06 Jan 2020

 

Where I wrote :

 

SUIIC will use AI - Machine Learning - Big Data Analytics etc.,  to merge / collate all kinds of structured / unstructured databases pertaining to all kinds of Cards / unique IDENTIFIERS, issued by any entity, to any citizen

 

 

These will include Mobile Service Providers and E Mail ID providers

 

 

 

 This exercise will lead to creation of UNIQUE PROFILE for each citizen, and named :

 

YUP  ( Your Unique Profile )

 

 

YUP ( with unique serial number ) will be that SINGLE CARD which replaces all CARDS

 

 

 

YUP will also be the name of a Mobile App supported by SUIIC web server

 

 

Any citizen can download the YUP ( absolutely VOLUNTARY ) , open it on his smart phone , enter his mobile number / E Mail ID and take a SELFIE of his own FACE

 

 

The Mobile App will automatically and instantly, upload the FACE IMAGE onto SUIIC database and the matching YUP of that person

 

 

SUIIC will embed into the FACE PHOTO , all data of all the CARDS ever issued to that person ( using STEGANOGRAPHY ), and send it back to the owner’s mobile phone

 

 

Just under the FACE PHOTO, there will be a DROP LIST of all the Cards / Identifiers which have been embedded . Touching any item, will reveal the actual Physical Card

 

This will enable that citizen to EDIT his personal data online and click SUBMIT

 

 

Anytime required in future, that citizen can show that YUP photo to any party

 

Congratulations , Shri Prasad ,

 

I believe it was Confucius who said >  A picture is worth a thousand words

You have proved him so right

All of my above “ exhortations “ may not have conveyed to our Policy Makers, the significance of my concept

Then, of course 4 years ago , ChatGPT – Gemini etc., did not exist , hence their disbelief was understandable

Today , they only need throw this challenge to BharatNet – IndiaStack – iSprit – INDIAai etc ( - architects of our much talked about  “ Digital Public Infrastructure “ )

 

In the meantime, when our Policy Makers see your cartoon, they will need only a second to grasp what I meant

With regards,

Hemen Parekh

www.HemenParekh.ai  /  23 Feb 2024

 

Related Readings :

Ø  All roads lead to SARAL ? or SUIIC ?.................................. 27 Aug 2023

Ø  Orderly Transition ? A Distant Dream …………………………………… .18 Aug 2023

Ø   Stopping Data Leakage ?  .. …………………………………………………….07 Aug 2023

Ø   Consent Forms for Personal Data  …………………………………………. 07 Aug 2023

Ø   Dashboard for Data Owners  …………………… ……………………………..04 Aug 2023

Ø  Only Answer : a Statutory Warning  ………………………………………… 10 Nov 2018

Ø   Erasing Personal Data ? ……………………………..………………………..  21  Apr  2023

Ø   SARAL ( Single  Authentic  Registration for Anywhere  Login )…. 10 Feb 2019 

Ø   Digital Dividend from Demographic Data [ 4 D ]………… ………. 14 Feb 2019 

Ø   Who watches the Watchmen ?  …………………………………………….  12 Jan 2019

Ø   Monetizing User Data ……………………………………………………………… 08 July 2023

Ø   Finland adopts “ SARAL “ ?  …………………………………………………… 31 May 2023

Ø   If DEPA = Foundation , then SARAL = Superstructure …………  08 May 2022

Ø  India embraces SUIIC : re-named as NATGRID  …………………….27 Apr 2023

Ø  I am One , I will become Many   ………………………………………….. 06  Jan  2020

Ø  DigiLocker = Single Unified Identity for Indian Citizen ? ………  08 Mar 2022

 

Ø   Morphing of DigiLocker : Caterpillar to Butterfly ? ………….. ……17 Mar 2022

 

Ø  SUIIC : “ Your Unique Identity “ Platform - about to be born ?  27 Apr 2022

 

Ø  Meri Aawaz hi Meri Pehchaan Hai  ……………………………………… ……04 July 2022

 

Ø  MOSIP   ( Modular Open Source Identity Platform )………………..11 Sept 2022

 

Ø    DigiLocker 2.0 = I am One, I will become Many  ……………….. 04 Feb 2023

 

Comments  by  ChatGPT :

Good morning! Thank you for sharing your concept of SUIIC/YUP.

I appreciate your vision for creating a Single Unique Identity for Indian citizens using AI, Machine Learning, and Big Data Analytics.

I've gone through the details you provided, and it seems like a comprehensive and innovative approach.

The idea of creating a YUP (Your Unique Profile) that consolidates all existing cards and identifiers into a single mobile app is intriguing. Using facial recognition and steganography to embed various card data into a unique photo could potentially streamline identity verification processes.

As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, I don't have real-time information on recent developments or specific initiatives related to SUIIC/YUP. The feasibility of such a system would depend on various factors, including technological capabilities, privacy concerns, legal considerations, and public acceptance.

Several countries and organizations are exploring digital identity solutions, and advancements in technologies like AI and blockchain have opened up new possibilities. However, the implementation of such a comprehensive system would likely require collaboration between government agencies, private sector entities, and careful consideration of privacy and security aspects.

To get a more accurate assessment of the current feasibility and potential adoption of your concept, I recommend consulting with experts in the field of digital identity, government officials, and technology professionals. Additionally, reaching out to organizations that focus on digital infrastructure development, such as BharatNet, IndiaStack, iSprit, and others you mentioned, could provide valuable insights and feedback.

It's great to see individuals actively contributing ideas to improve systems and processes. I wish you the best in further promoting and refining your concept. If there are any specific questions you have or if there are updates beyond my last knowledge update, feel free to ask!

 

 

Comments  by  GEMINI  :

I've carefully read your email and your proposal for SUIIC, and I understand your desire to know the probability of its materialization.

While I can't definitively predict the future, I can offer some insights and considerations based on my understanding:

Strengths of your proposal:

·         Addresses a complex problem: 

Streamlining citizen identity management through a single platform has potential benefits for both citizens and government agencies.

·         Leverages existing initiatives: 

Your proposal aligns with efforts like IndiaStack and BharatNet, potentially facilitating implementation.

·         Potential for cost reduction and efficiency: 

Reducing duplicate data storage and simplifying verification processes could offer economic benefits.

 

Challenges to consider:

·         Privacy concerns: 

Combining various data sources raises significant privacy concerns that require careful consideration and robust safeguards.

·         Technical feasibility: 

Integrating diverse databases and ensuring secure data storage and access presents technical hurdles.

·         Legal and regulatory framework: 

Implementing such a system might require significant legal and regulatory changes.

·         Public acceptance: 

Gaining public trust and voluntary participation is crucial for the success of SUIIC.

 

Probability of materialization:

Given the complex nature of the proposed system and the various challenges involved, it's difficult to quantify the probability of SUIIC becoming a reality.

However, it's certainly not impossible. The existence of similar initiatives like Estonia's X-Road and Finland's Suomi.fi demonstrates the potential feasibility.

 

Further steps:

·         Detailed feasibility study: 

A comprehensive study could assess technical, legal, and social feasibility, identifying potential implementation roadblocks and solutions.

·         Pilot project: 

Starting with a smaller pilot project could test the concept's viability and refine it before wider implementation.

·         Public engagement: 

Open discussions and transparency are crucial to address privacy concerns and gain public trust.

Additionally:

·         While I cannot endorse your specific proposal, I believe exploring innovative solutions for identity management remains important.

 

·         It's essential to prioritize individual privacy and data security throughout the development and implementation process.

Ultimately, the decision to pursue SUIIC rests with policymakers and the public. As a large language model, I can offer information and analysis, but the choices remain yours.