Need to Have a Techno-Legal Framework for AI Safety
In a significant development, India is advocating for a techno-legal framework aimed at ensuring the safety of artificial intelligence (AI). This initiative follows the success of the country’s digital public infrastructure (DPI), as outlined by India’s principal scientific advisor, Ajay Sood.
The Proposal
“We would like to have a techno-legal framework for AI safety, for which a white paper has been released by our office a few days back,” Sood stated. The proposed norms emphasize the responsible use of AI and outline specific obligations. Sood mentioned that these legal mechanisms could be embedded from the very initial stages of technology development and deployment.
Learning from Digital Public Infrastructure
India aims to replicate the success of its DPI platforms, which are characterized by their interoperability and open-source nature. These platforms enable the secure and scalable delivery of public and private services across various domains, including identity, payments, and data exchange.
AI Safety Institutes
As part of its governance framework, India will introduce AI safety institutes. This announcement coincides with the ongoing India AI Impact Summit, where leading technology multinationals and global heads of state are gathering in New Delhi.
Global AI Diplomacy
The summit is significant in the context of previous international gatherings, such as the 2025 AI Action Summit in Paris and the 2024 AI Seoul Summit. Notable attendees include Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, French President Emmanuel Macron, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
Regulatory Approach
Sood advocates for a light-touch regulation in the AI sector. “We will not have a very command-and-control kind of regulation that stifles our innovation,” he remarked. The focus is on fostering innovation while ensuring safety.
Governance Guidelines
Last November, the Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY) unveiled the India AI Governance Guidelines, which provide a comprehensive framework for safe and responsible AI adoption across multiple sectors. This framework aims to foster a robust governance regime that encourages innovation while mitigating risks.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, Sood expressed optimism that India would establish its AI leadership within the next five years. “All those AI services will be a big thing in the next five years. India has immense potential in this area,” he stated, emphasizing that AI as a service would emerge as a major technological and economic driver in the coming years.
Investment in AI Education and Standards
Supported by efforts from the Ashwini Vaishnaw-headed Ministry of Electronics and IT, India is committed to a trust-based approach to AI governance. The Centre is also heavily investing in AI education and participating in global standard-setting initiatives.
