The Indian AI regulation approach

Global Focus on AI Regulation

• AI governance has shifted from social safety to innovation and economic prosperity.

• Only a few countries have introduced laws to regulate AI, including China, the EU, Canada, Korea, Peru, and the U.S.

• Other countries like the U.K., Japan, Brazil, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Pakistan are drafting bills for AI regulation.

India’s Approach to AI Regulation

• India has not officially approved an AI Strategy or law specifically regulating AI.

• Instead, it has focused on a government mission to support AI development and adoption.

• The NITI Aayog document titled ‘National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence’ from 2018 is a recommendation without formal endorsement.

• The IndiaAI mission aims to foster an innovative, skilled, safe, and trustworthy AI ecosystem.

AI Development in India

• AI development is primarily concentrated in the U.S., EU, U.K., and China.

• As AI usage expands, it is essential to ensure its implementation does not lead to discrimination, exclusionary practices, unfair outcomes, cybersecurity threats, privacy breaches, or unequal opportunities.

• There is little public awareness of algorithmic use, efficacy, or evaluation metrics in sectors directly impacting citizens’ everyday lives.

Lessons from AI Governance and Regulation

• India could adopt any of the approaches or develop a hybrid model, building on the framework established by the DPDP Act, 2023.

• An AI policy could be a viable short-term goal for India, allowing the government to pilot enforcement tools before introducing formal legislation.