Government’s AI Framework: A Shift Towards Technical Secretariat
The upcoming governance framework on artificial intelligence in India is set to introduce a “technical secretariat” aimed at coordinating AI policies across various government departments. This initiative marks a significant departure from previous proposals suggesting the establishment of a dedicated regulatory body for the AI sector.
Context and Background
Historically, several government entities, including the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), and the Niti Aayog, have advocated for a statutory authority to oversee and regulate AI technologies. However, the new framework, as reported, will house the secretariat within the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), positioning it as a technical advisory body without the enforcement or regulatory powers typical of conventional regulators.
Framework Details
Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwani Vaishnaw, indicated that the framework is expected to be released by September 28, 2025. Its goals include:
- Clearly defining the boundaries of AI safety
- Establishing response mechanisms for situations where AI may pose risks to humans
- Implementing checks and balances on the rapid adoption of AI technologies
Role of the Technical Secretariat
The technical secretariat is designed to:
- Develop metrics and common frameworks, including measurement standards for environmental impact, data provenance, and security
- Assess risks associated with AI technologies regarding consumer and societal impacts, covering areas such as antitrust, online safety, and data governance
- Collaborate with industries to label AI-generated media and maintain an AI-incident database to record real-world problems
Furthermore, the secretariat may act as a coordination focal point for a larger, permanent inter-ministerial group. This group will consist of officials from various departments, including MeitY, the Department of Science and Technology, and key regulators like the Reserve Bank of India and the Securities and Exchange Board of India. Its primary objective will be to foster a comprehensive understanding of the AI ecosystem and streamline regulatory efforts across different sectors.
Contrasting Previous Proposals
This move towards a technical secretariat starkly contrasts earlier suggestions for establishing a dedicated regulatory body. In July 2023, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India had proposed the creation of an Artificial Intelligence and Data Authority of India (AIDAI) to oversee AI regulations and responsible usage. Additionally, a December report by EAC-PM member Sanjeev Sanyal emphasized the need for an agile regulatory body with a broad mandate capable of swift responses to technological advancements.
In summary, the government’s shift towards a technical secretariat reflects a strategic approach to managing AI governance, focusing on coordination and guidance rather than enforcement, aiming for a balanced integration of AI technologies into society.
