AI’s existential risk is real, but India must harness its productivity gains: MeitY secretary

The technology industry is considering the concerning risks of advanced AI systems, capable of breaching systems and helping build their own successors. While AI leaders and researchers show concerns, S. Krishnan, secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), said that India cannot afford to overlook the technology’s potential across sectors.

“Existential threat that AI poses is something that people recognise,” Krishnan said at the Semicon 2.0. “This is what the Frontier AI areas are working on, and this is really what the Frontier AI labs are doing. But apart from that, there are many use cases of AI that will enhance productivity.” He talked about several areas such as manufacturing, healthcare, and governance, where AI could benefit productivity as well as development.

Must read: Semicon 2.0: India targets 200 chip design startups and 1 lakh semiconductor technicians

“We need to reap those benefits,” he added.

India reconsiders AI regulation

Krishnan revealed that our government’s position on AI regulation is evolving. He highlighted that the government considered building AI Governance Groups, but previously it was too soon to regulate AI. However, that idea is now being reconsidered.

“The Minister has gone on record and said that maybe the time has come to look at AI regulations seriously,” Krishnan said. “We are examining seriously at the Ministry as to how we should regulate the spread of AI and this issue.”

Must read: A kill switch won’t save us from rogue AI, tech leaders say amid growing concerns

This showcases that the Indian government is reconsidering its existing AI frameworks and regulations as AI adoption expands, and more capable systems enter several areas.

Coordinated AI governance

Krishnan also urged coordination in how AI is governed, saying regulation must be considered at both the national and international levels. “We will have to look at some sort of regulations and way in which this is co-ordinated,” he said.

He also talked about India’s participation in international initiatives, including Pax Silica, where it can discuss AI and emerging technologies.