Modi calls for global framework for ethical AI, cybersecurity and data privacy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged standards bodies to create a global framework to ensure that artificial intelligence is ethical, secure and inclusive. Speaking at the 8th edition of India Mobile Congress, he also emphasized that cybersecurity must be paramount as no country is isolated from its impact.

Telecom industry leaders have pushed for policy reforms to ensure data localization and combat digital fraud, as well as clarifying regulations on satellite broadband services. The annual conclave was held in conjunction with the International Telecommunication Union’s World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) 2024.

“I would ask WTSA to think about how to make telecommunications safe for everyone. In an interconnected world, security cannot be an afterthought,” Modi said.

“India’s Data Protection Act and National Cyber ​​Security Strategy reflect our commitment to creating a secure digital environment. WTSA members should create standards that are inclusive, safe and adaptable to future challenges, including ethical standards on AI and data privacy that respect the diversity of nations,” he said.

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The Prime Minister stressed the need to clearly define the “do’s and don’ts” at the global level regarding aviation sector regulations that establish technical, legal and operational requirements to ensure safety and security. security.

“For this, we must work together. Global institutions must assume their responsibilities. We must ensure that our future is not only technically sound, but also ethically sound. The future should be marked by innovation as well as inclusion,” Modi said.

India is developing digital personal data protection rules that cover privacy, media disinformation, accountability of tech giants and other issues of societal importance.

“Whether it is the ancient Silk Road or today’s technological road, India’s sole mission is to connect the world and open new doors to progress,” Modi said.

Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said the WTSA and the International Telecommunications Union were working to establish standards for 6G networks by 2030, and India was for the first time involved in the establishing these global standards.

“The Ministry of Telecom is also working on a separate program to locate and produce chips specifically for the telecommunications sector,” Scindia said.

The Telecom Industry Wish List

As India’s digital infrastructure rapidly evolves, Telecom executives call for policy reforms to ensure localization of critical data and support for AI and satellite services across the country.

Akash Ambani, chairman of Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd, urged the government to accelerate updates to India’s data center policy, emphasizing the importance of keeping critical data in the country.

“We request the government to expedite the update of the Draft Data Center Policy 2020 (to ensure) that Indian data remains in Indian data centers…Indian companies ready to set up data centers AI and machine learning data should be given all necessary incentives, including energy consumption incentives,” he said.

Reliance Jio, India’s largest telecom service provider, is actively introducing AI models and services at affordable prices for Indian consumers.

Bharti Airtel Chairman Sunil Mittal has advocated funding for telecom companies through the Universal Services Obligation Fund (USOF) to expand satellite services and urged satellite companies seeking to serve urban customers to operate within the same regulatory framework as telecommunications operators.

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“These satellite companies that have ambitions to move into urban areas to serve elite retail customers need to take out telecommunications licenses like everyone else…They need to buy spectrum like the telecom companies buy, they have to pay license fees like telcos do, and also license the networks like telcos do,” Mittal said.

Mittal-backed OneWeb Eutelsat is preparing to launch satellite services in India but is awaiting spectrum allocation.

India’s new telecom law allows direct allocation of spectrum for satellite broadband services.

Vodafone Idea Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla also spoke, highlighting the recent ₹A fundraising of 18,000 crores, which enabled it to launch a capital expenditure cycle. This includes the first phase of investment agreements worth $3.6 billion with Nokia, Ericsson and Samsung for the supply of network equipment over the next three years.

Birla also highlighted the importance of combating spam, fraud and phishing scams, growing concerns as mobile networks expand and become more ubiquitous.