Editorial     

Published: June 15, 2023
Updated: June 15, 2023

Don’t shoot the AI ‘messenger’

Artificial Intelligence — which is the replication of human intelligence functions by machines, particularly computer systems — is evolving at a fast pace, bringing what many previously thought of as fictional experiences into the real world. This revolutionary feat of computer science is all set to become a core component of all modern software over the coming years and decades. Though this presents a lot of opportunities, it also poses serious threats.

During the last two decades or so, the internet in general and Artificial Intelligence — or AI — in particular has become a multi-dimensional space with videos, photos, texts and community participation. While technological developments like AI have empowered people, they have also led to challenges such as cyber stalking, misinformation, fake news, cyber fraud, security concerns, job losses and safety issues for women and children.

Realising the drawbacks of Artificial Intelligence, several governments across the globe have started thinking of taking steps to minimize the adverse effects of the latest technology. Recently, the European Parliament passed a draft law known as the AI Act in order to regulate the uses of the technology. The law would severely curtail uses of facial recognition software while requiring makers of AI systems like the GPTChatbot to disclose more about the data used to create their programmes.

The Indian government has also woken up to the dangers of the new technology. With a view to addressing these new challenges, New Delhi is drafting the Digital India Act (DIA) which will serve as a comprehensive framework encompassing various areas, including the regulation of intermediaries, addressing other digital crimes like misinformation, establishing guidelines for the safety of women and children online, and enabling enhanced regulatory oversight for objectional content on over-the-top (OTT) service platforms. The Act will regulate emerging technologies like AI and Multiverse. It will address regulatory concerns and tackle cyber trolling and gaslighting, among others. The goal is to establish a dynamic framework that governs emerging technologies.

The times are moving at breakneck speed and we are stepping into a period of generational change with the new wave of generative AI systems transforming entire industries. Given the widespread use of AI in critical fields like healthcare, agriculture, education, banking and aviation, it will be subject to security oversight under the DIA. Risks like automation-spurred job losses, algorithmic biases, alignment problems, copyright issues, socio-economic inequality, threatening academic integrity, etc., will need to be addressed.

In order to mitigate these concerns, Artificial Intelligence regulation has become the central focus in several countries, with the US and the European Union taking the lead in building regulations to manage the spread of AI.

Undoubtedly, the adverse effects of AI should be curbed but while drafting regulations it should be ensured that these should not curb innovation. Artificial Intelligence is after all a revolutionary feat of computer science which was beyond human imagination till now. It is a unique technology that can improve on past iterations and become smarter and more aware, allowing it to improve its capabilities and knowledge. AI machines will be able to perform cognitive functions like learning, planning, reasoning, decision-making and problem-solving. In short, AI is machine simulation of human intelligence and it could solve major real world challenges. Hence, it should be handled with utmost care. Laws to restrict a momentous technology like Artificial Intelligence should not be entrusted to politicians or bureaucrats. The DIA, ideally framed by enlightened experts, should be a watershed moment for the country, and should catalyse our digital ambitions and govern the transformation of the online ecosystem in India.