Create global framework for ethical use of AI, says PM Modi at B20 Summit

August 28, 2023 12:14 pm

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called for a global framework to ensure the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) as he flagged concerns over algorithmic bias and its disruptive impact on society.

Emphasising the need to deepen mutual trust and cooperation between countries, Modi called for a similar, integrated approach to deal with issues related to cryptocurrencies.

The Prime Minister was speaking at the Business 20 (B20) Summit organised by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), ahead of the G20 Summit next month.

Days after the BRICS Summit, Modi also reiterated the importance of India’s role in setting up resilient and inclusive global supply chains.

Noting the excitement around AI, Modi pointed out some ethical considerations. “The world has to come together to solve the challenges of skilling and reskilling, and algorithmic bias and its impact on society. Global business communities and governments have to ensure the expansion of ethical AI across different sectors… the disruption is beyond our thinking, and we have to create a global framework,” he said.

He cited the examples of the aviation and financial sectors which have seen global coordination.

Positioning India as a crucial element in the global supply chains which were disrupted during the pandemic, he said: “We have seen some irreversible changes since Covid-19, global supply chains cannot be seen like earlier. Can a supply chain be called efficient if it breaks when the world needs it the most… The solution to that problem is India. Efficient and trusted supply chains in India have an important place.”

Stressing on mutual trust, he pitched India as a key player internationally. “Mutual trust needs the most investment… and the country that can function with humility and sensitivity is India,” he said. “Your partnership with India is very important… if your friendship is strong with India, it will result in prosperity for both,” he added.

Cautioning against a “self-centric” approach, Modi said that if businesses and governments don’t shoulder global responsibility, it could result in a “new colonial model”.

“If our focus is self-centric, we won’t be able to help ourselves or the world… We are seeing that in the case of rare earth metals – some regions have them in abundance, while some don’t, even as the whole world needs them. This could become a new colonial model,” he said.

“A profitable market can be sustained when there’s a balance in the interest between producers and consumers. Consumers can be both individuals and countries. Treating countries just as a market will not work. Making everyone equal partners in progress is the way forward,” he said.

Modi also urged business leaders to look beyond consumer rights, and focus on consumer care. “Can we talk about consumer care? It will send a positive signal and will resolve consumer rights issues. We need to boost trust between businesses and consumers,” he said, and suggested that a day should be observed as “international consumer care day”.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the contribution of various Indian MSMEs and private companies in the success of the country’s lunar mission, Chandrayaan-3. “Many components that were needed to make the mission a success were developed and provided by private companies and MSMEs in time… it is the success of science and the industry,” he said.