Soha Ali Khan Calls for Ethical AI Safeguards as Digital Risks Grow for Women
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], February 16: Actor and author Soha Ali Khan has voiced strong concerns about the growing risks women face in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. During the India AI Impact Summit 2026, she emphasized that ethical safeguards in artificial intelligence are no longer optional but essential.
The Intersection of Technology, Gender, and Safety
Khan reflected on the remarkable transformation she has witnessed across India, noting that young women are now building businesses online. She highlighted how digital platforms have opened doors for female entrepreneurship and storytelling. “I’ve watched this transformation across India as well,” Khan stated.
She pointed out that the rise of digital literacy initiatives and online tools has created new pathways for empowerment. “AI is extraordinary. It improves healthcare access, it expands education. It helps to close maternal health gaps,” she added, stressing how digital tools empower young women to become confident storytellers.
Challenges in the Digital World
However, Khan cautioned that the digital world mirrors the inequalities of the society that shapes it. “The digital world is not neutral. It reflects the society that builds it. And now AI is accelerating everything,” she remarked. This underscores how emerging technologies can amplify both opportunity and harm.
While acknowledging the benefits of artificial intelligence, she warned that these tools are being misused at an alarming pace. “AI is also making things faster, cheaper, and more scalable. It’s easier than ever now to impersonate someone, to create deep fakes, to manipulate images, to misuse personal data,” she stated, highlighting that many women do not know how to combat these issues.
Broader Implications of Online Harm
Khan’s concerns extend beyond technology, noting that online harm has far-reaching consequences. “This isn’t just a tech issue. It is a mental health issue, it’s a public health issue, and it is a human rights issue. Ethical AI is not optional; it is mandatory,” she asserted.
Defining Ethical AI
When defining what ethical AI should entail, Khan called for comprehensive systemic safeguards. “When I say ethical AI, I mean safety by design, privacy by default, meaningful consent, clear reporting system, and real accountability,” she emphasized.
The Need for Responsible Innovation
As India continues its rapid digital expansion, Khan’s remarks contribute to a growing demand for responsible innovation. Her call highlights the urgent need for policymakers, tech companies, and civil society to ensure that technological advancement does not compromise women’s safety, dignity, and rights.
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