Ashwini Vaishnaw Highlights AI Governance Challenges and India's Leadership in Ethical Innovation

Shri Vaishnaw called attention to the growing challenge of social media accountability amid rising concerns over fake news and manipulated narratives.

Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, Railways, and Information & Broadcasting, addressed critical issues surrounding AI governance, social media accountability, and the balance between freedom of speech and combating fake news during a Parliament session today. The Minister outlined the government’s efforts in developing indigenous AI solutions, strengthening legal frameworks, and positioning India as a global leader in ethical AI innovation.

Shri Vaishnaw called attention to the growing challenge of social media accountability amid rising concerns over fake news and manipulated narratives. "It is a major challenge that societies across the world are facing—the accountability of social media, particularly in the context of fake news and the creation of fake narratives," he remarked.

He urged for a consensus-driven approach to draft legislation that balances freedom of speech with the need for factual narratives. "Freedom of speech and accountability need to coexist. If the house agrees and there is consensus within society, we can move forward with new laws," the Minister added.

Indigenous AI Solutions with a Focus on Privacy

The Minister highlighted India's proactive measures to develop AI solutions aligned with the nation’s privacy and security concerns. Under the National AI Mission, eight indigenous projects have been initiated to create tools tailored to India’s specific needs.

"One of the key pillars of our AI Mission is application development, ensuring innovation aligns with India’s unique requirements. These tools are privacy-centric and aim to serve the diverse needs of our citizens while protecting individual data," Shri Vaishnaw explained.

He also stressed the importance of prioritizing ethical considerations in AI development, ensuring tools and applications align with global best practices.

India as a Global Leader in AI Governance

Shri Vaishnaw showcased India’s role as a thought leader in AI governance on the global stage. "Ethical issues in AI are a global concern, and India is committed to addressing these challenges through robust debate and responsible innovation," he noted.

India’s leadership in global AI policy discussions has been acknowledged internationally. The country currently chairs the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI), hosted the GPAI Summit earlier this year, and continues to play an influential role in discussions with organizations like the OECD and the United Nations.

Strengthening Legal Frameworks for the Digital Age

The Minister also emphasized the importance of establishing legal frameworks to tackle the dual challenges of social media accountability and the ethical use of AI. "We are navigating an age where legal frameworks need to adapt quickly to technological advancements," he remarked.

The proposed laws aim to promote transparency and responsibility in the digital space, ensuring that India's digital ecosystem thrives without compromising on fundamental rights or ethical considerations.

India's Path Forward

With its focus on indigenous innovation, robust governance, and ethical considerations, India is poised to lead the global discourse on AI and digital accountability. As Shri Vaishnaw concluded, "India is not just adopting AI technologies; we are shaping the narrative for a responsible and inclusive digital future."

This session underscored India's commitment to fostering technological growth while ensuring it remains grounded in principles of fairness, accountability, and inclusivity.