A discourse on AI governance that India must shape

A discourse on AI governance that India must shape

 

Context

Considering the rapid change that AI has brought in recent times, the need for a global diplomacy on the subject is a must. Hence, under the leadership of United Nations the “Summit of the Future” has been scheduled to happen on September 22-23, 2024.

• The summit mainly focuses on Global Digital Compact (GDC), that creates a mullti-stakeholder framework to address issues related to digital divide, advances the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and promotes a secure and inclusive digital environment.

 

Relevance:
GS-03 GS-02(Science and technology, International Relations)

 

Dimensions of the Article

• Geopolitical Contestation on AI
• Concerns and Challenges
• Implications for India

 

Geopolitical Contestation on AI

• The UN general assembly adopted two resolutions on AI.
• One led by the United States emphasizing “Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy AI” and the other led by China focusing on “Capacity Building of AI.”
• The U.S. led resolution advocates that AI governance should be more harmonized and to include member countries to develop shared ethical principles, data protection and transparency standards. It primarily aims to assert dominance in AI technology and dictate the terms of its development worldwide.
• In contrast, the China-led resolution promotes for equitable benefits from AI development, aiming to bridge the digital divide and foster an open, non-discriminatory environment in global trade and technology. It not only prioritizes inclusivity and equitable development but also strategically positions China as an important player in global trade and technology standards.

 

Concerns and Challenges

• Dominance of Developed Nations: The geopolitical rivalry between the U.S. and China in AI governance risks marginalizing the perspectives and needs of developing countries.
• Structural Inequalities in AI Landscape: Countries like India face several structural challenges, such as limited advanced computing infrastructure, inadequate high-quality data sets, and a lack of capital.
• Digital Divide: There is a stark gap in digital infrastructure and AI capabilities between developed and developing countries. Many Global South nations lack basic resources like internet access and stable electricity, which are essential for AI development.
• Limited Participation of Marginalized Voices: Global AI governance discussions often overlook the inputs of smaller non-governmental organizations (NGOs), small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and marginalized communities, especially from the Global South.

 

Implications for India

• Geopolitical Influence and Leadership: Involving in activities like AI  governance discussion, will allow India to asset its leadership representing Global South. It also helps India to significantly improve its stance at the geopolitical level.
• Digital Divide and Developmental Challenges: If this digital divide isn’t addressed, the disparity in AI infrastructure between the developed and the developing nations will widen. It could also limit India’s ability to harness AI’s potential.
• Strategic Alignment with Global Standards: If India does not engage proactively, chances are, that the global standards that could evolve after the summit might not align with India’s developmental needs or ethical considerations. It will expose India to international norms that do not adequately benefit the country.
• Economic Competitiveness: As AI in the recent times has become critical for economic growth, India’s ability to influence AI governance will directly impact its competitiveness in the global AI industry.

Way forward:

• India should focus on strengthening its AI infrastructure and prioritize in advanced computing facilities, high-quality data sets, and internet access to participate more effectively in the global AI landscape.
• In order to reflect diverse range of perspectives, India can push for a multi-stakeholder model in AI governance which includes countries from the Global South which in-turn will ensure that India along with other developing nations are not dominated by the interests of developed nations.
• India, with deep historical legacy with the UN and having successfully concluded climate negotiations where it consistently advocated the principle of equity and climate justice as the basis of global climate action, it can do the same with the AI governance discussions too.
• Last but not least, India should collaborate with like-minded countries and international organizations to form coalitions that can influence the AI governance discourse