New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday championed the establishment of a global framework for the use of digital technology and the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI), saying security cannot be an afterthought in an interconnected world. Speaking at the inauguration of the International Telecommunication Union – WTSA and India Mobile Congress here, he called for clear ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ to protect citizens.
“There is a need for a global framework…guidelines for digital technology,” he said. “The time has come when global institutions must accept the importance of a rules-based framework for digital technology.” Digital rules are important not only because they concern privacy, media disinformation, the accountability of tech giants and other issues of societal importance, but also because trade in goods and services relies on international data flows.
Stating that digital tools and applications transcend all physical borders and no country alone can protect its citizens against cyber threats, the Prime Minister said “dos and don’ts must be defined at the global “.
“For this we must work together. Global institutions must assume their responsibilities,” he said.
He cited the example of the aviation sector and said a similar framework was needed for the digital world.
Global aviation regulations define a set of technical, legal and operational requirements to ensure the safety, security and efficiency of international flights.
Highlighting the need to create a list of global technology do’s and don’ts, the Prime Minister highlighted the borderless nature of digital tools and applications and called for international collaboration in tackling cyber threats and collective action by global institutions.
The Prime Minister urged assembly members to 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.
Highlighting the need for consensus and connectivity in a conflict-ridden world, the Prime Minister said India is committed to taking the world out of conflict and connecting it.
“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 for progress,” he said. declared.
The Prime Minister inaugurated the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) 2024 of the International Telecommunication Union at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. He also inaugurated the 8th edition of India Mobile Congress 2024 during the program. He visited the exhibition presented on this occasion.
The Prime Minister highlighted the need for a human-centric dimension in the ongoing technological revolution, calling for responsible and sustainable innovation. He said the standards set today will determine the direction of the future, emphasizing that the principles of safety, dignity and fairness should be at the center of our discussions.
He said our goal should be that no country, region and community is left behind in this digital transformation and highlighted the need for innovation balanced with inclusion.
“India is one of the most dynamic countries in telecommunications and related technologies,” Prime Minister Modi said.
Listing India’s achievements, he said India has 120 million mobile phone users, 95 million internet users and digital transactions of over 40 per cent of the entire world in real time.
India, he said, has shown how digital connectivity has become an effective tool for last-mile delivery.
Prime Minister Modi asked sectoral bodies like WNTA to proactively address this issue. “I would ask WTSA to deliberate on how to make telecommunications safe for all.” “In this interconnected world, security cannot be an afterthought,” he said.
India’s commitment in this regard is largely reflected in its Data Protection Act and National Cyber Security Strategy, which are steps towards creating a secure digital ecosystem.
Global bodies must set standards that are inclusive, safe and adaptable to any future challenges, he said. “Global standards must be set for ethical (use) of AI and data privacy that respect the diversity of different countries.” “It is essential that in this technological revolution, technology is given a human-centered dimension. And it must be responsible and sustainable. The standards set today will determine the path forward,” he said.
“The principles of safety, dignity and fairness must therefore be at the heart of all discussions. Our goal should be that no country, region or community is left behind in this digital world. We must ensure that that our future is not only technically strong but it is also ethically sound The future should be marked by innovation, as well as inclusiveness, he said. After rapid deployment, 5G telecom services are now available in most places across the country and work on 6G has already started.
Providing statistics, the Prime Minister said India has over the last decade become an exporter of mobile phones from an importer, and has installed a fiber optic network eight times longer than the distance between the Earth and the Moon.
India’s digital vision, unveiled in 2014, is based on four pillars: making devices cheaper, connectivity covering all concerns, affordable data and digital first, he said.
Prime Minister Modi said India is ready to share its experience of successfully building digital public infrastructure with the rest of the world.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
