AI framework ready, will be released as soon as new govt is formed Ashwini Vaishnaw

In light of the escalating concerns surrounding the proliferation of AI-driven synthetic content, particularly in the context of global elections, including those in India, Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Union Railways and IT Minister, has underscored the readiness of a comprehensive framework to address these challenges. In an interview with IANS on Tuesday, Vaishnaw highlighted the imperative of striking a balance between leveraging AI for societal benefit while mitigating its potential for misuse.

Vaishnaw emphasized the culmination of constructive dialogues with the IT industry in recent months, focusing on combating the misuse of AI. "We have to utilize AI for the greater good of the public as well as curtail its misuse. We have to find the right balance," Vaishnaw asserted, indicating that public consultations on the AI framework will commence promptly following the formation of the new government in June.

Acknowledging the mounting apprehensions surrounding deepfakes and the associated risks to users, the government has diligently crafted a draft regulatory framework for AI. The overarching objective is to harness AI's potential for driving economic growth while instituting safeguards against potential harms.

Furthermore, internet platforms and social media intermediaries operating in India bear a legal responsibility to ensure the absence of misinformation or deepfakes on their platforms. The government remains vigilant in monitoring intermediaries' compliance with the IT Rules, 2021, and directives issued by the IT Ministry.

A newly issued IT Ministry advisory specifically addresses AI-related concerns, stipulating that digital platforms must assume full accountability and cannot evade responsibility by citing the experimental phase of AI models. "We have established a robust AI framework, which will soon be made public," Vaishnaw affirmed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a recent discussion with Microsoft Co-founder Bill Gates, also voiced apprehensions regarding the implications of deepfakes in a democratic setup like India. Modi highlighted the potential for misuse, including the manipulation of his voice to deceive the public, underscoring the imperative of formulating stringent guidelines to address deepfake-related challenges.