Context :
- India lacks a formal AI regulatory law or national strategy, unlike several other countries.
- Current efforts are centered around IndiaAI Mission and an advisory group, but lack enforceability, accountability, and public engagement.
- The article stresses the need for a comprehensive AI policy and public discourse to ensure ethical and inclusive AI development.
Relevance : GS 2(Governance ), GS 3(Technology)
Global Context of AI Regulation
- Countries with enacted laws: China, EU, Canada, Korea, Peru, USA (Trump revoked Biden’s AI EO).
- Countries with draft AI bills: UK, Japan, Brazil, Costa Rica, Colombia, Pakistan.
- 85+ countries (including the African Union) have national AI strategies, outlining:
- Vision and priorities
- Budgetary support
- Roadmaps for ethical and inclusive growth
India’s Approach to AI Governance
- No official National AI Strategy or AI-specific legislation.
- Relies on:
- NITI Aayog’s 2018 Strategy Document – yet to be formally adopted.
- IndiaAI Mission with seven pillars – still evolving.
- Expert advisory group – work-in-progress; recommendations not officially binding.
Advantages of India’s Flexible Approach
- Adaptability to evolving tech, global trends, and domestic needs.
- Can respond dynamically to citizen sentiment and market shifts.
- Avoids premature rigid regulation that may stifle innovation.
Major Concerns
- No binding vision or enforcement tools.
- Reactive governance – lacks clear milestones, accountability, or long-term planning.
- Overdependence on leadership – initiatives can change with political priorities.
- Low algorithmic transparency – no standards for public disclosure or audit.
- Social risks – exclusion, discrimination, deepfakes, violence from AI-generated content (e.g., social media unrest).
Lessons from Global Models
EU GDPR Model (Comprehensive & Centralised)
- India’s DPDP Act, 2023 aligns more closely with this model.
- Could be extended into AI governance.
US Model (Sector-Specific & Decentralised)
- Focuses on industry-specific regulations.
- May not suit India’s federal structure or need for unified standards.
China’s Use-Case Specific Laws
- Targeted laws for Generative AI, Deepfakes, etc.
- Offers clarity for high-risk sectors.
Way Forward for India
Short-Term Goal:
- Develop a National AI Policy Document addressing:
- Vision & guiding principles
- Priority sectors (e.g., health, agriculture, judiciary, education)
- Institutional roles & responsibilities
- Ethical standards
- Infrastructure & capacity building
- Transparency and accountability mechanisms
Medium-Term Goal:
- Pilot test enforcement tools, public consultations, and ethical frameworks.
Long-Term Goal:
- Enact formal AI legislation integrating learnings from pilots and international norms.
