AI genie out of the bottle, need for its regulation: Vice President Dhankhar

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, during the book release of ‘AI on Trial’, emphasised the importance of balancing AI regulation with innovation, cautioning about AI’s risks, and calling for a transparent, global approach to ensure public safety, legal clarity and ethical use of AI.

VP Dhankhar was addressing a gathering on the release of the book ‘AI on Trial’ authored by Member of Rajya Sabha Sujeet Kumar, at Vice-President’s Enclave. VP Dhankhar emphasised the need to regulate AI while maintaining the right balance between regulation and fostering innovation.

“The regulation of AI will determine the kind of society we aspire to be. Do we wish to become a digital dystopia where humans serve algorithms or a humane Indian society where technology serves the people? The choice is ours. The choice is well known," Dhankar noted.

He stated, “Regulating Artificial Intelligence is daunting, frightening, but imperative. A right balance will have to be struck between regulating artificial intelligence and fostering innovation. This is fundamental. Overregulation can choke, like over-disciplining a child. We don’t have to impede the spirit of entrepreneurship. But at the same time, we have to be extremely cognisant of the evil effects. Under-regulation can endanger public safety, perpetuate bias and erode trust."

“To regulate something that is as dynamic as artificial intelligence, we need an agile and empowered institutional framework. A national artificial intelligence authority or commission — independent but accountable with representation from government, industry, academia and civil society — could serve as a think tank. We must, therefore, design regulation as a scaffold, not a cage. Our goal should be to enable a framework where responsible innovation thrives, and sinister designs, pernicious designs, are neutralised. A risk-based, sector-specific, and principle-driven approach may serve us well in this regard.”

VP Dhankar cautioned, “We have to be extremely wary also. AI, the genie is out of the bottle, and it can be extremely destructive. It can create havoc if not regulated. In the age of deep fakes, the workings of the Deep State, woke-ism, these menacing trends can get wings if this genie of Artificial Intelligence is not regulated. To put it simply, for young minds, nuclear power can give you energy. Nuclear power can lighten houses and run industries, but it can also be destructive, and therefore, we have both possibilities before us."

India