AI offers opportunities and new risks, says Indian diplomat Amitabh Kant
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Amitabh Kant, India's G20 Sherpa, on Monday, said while artificial intelligence offers exciting new opportunities, such technologies also bring with them new risks, threats to personal privacy, and concerns about fake news.
Speaking at the second G20-SAI Summit of the SAI20 Engagement Group, he said the world is interconnected today with technology. "It plays a crucial role in the functioning and the transformation and helps to collect, process and disseminate information more quickly and efficiently. And with this vast data, we are seeing the emergence of generative artificial intelligence. These are playing a very critical role in the lives of citizens, they have both a positive as well as disruptive potential," said the Indian representative.
He further said there is a need to realise that the future rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, and, in particular, the transformative potential of generative artificial intelligence, offer exciting new opportunities for human advancement. "These technologies also bring with them new risks, fresh forms of discrimination and bias, threats to personal privacy and data protection, concerns about fake news... also new risks to online safety. Nations of the world need to adopt a balanced approach to this new technology," reported AFP.
Kant also called for an early warning of new risks and imminent threats for risk mitigation. He stressed the need for G20 countries to have a pro-innovation approach that maximises the value of these technologies and offers entrepreneurs the freedom to innovate within a principle-based ethical framework.
Kant highlighted that SAI India's efforts as the SAI20 Chairmanship align closely with India's G20 priorities. These include promoting green development, climate finance, and an environmentally friendly lifestyle. Additionally, the focus is on achieving accelerated, inclusive, and resilient growth, making progress on Sustainable Development Goals, fostering technological transformation and digital public infrastructure, and encouraging women-led development.
Regarding the SAI20 engagement group, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has chosen two crucial areas of focus: Blue Economy and responsible artificial intelligence. These priorities are in line with the guiding philosophy of "One Earth One Family One Future" and are expected to have a significant and direct impact on the well-being of Indian citizens.
He also emphasised the need for the G20 to take proactive measures and develop an action plan to address the adverse effects of global warming and climate change. This can be achieved by utilising the oceans for conservation, preservation, protection, and sustainable development, including areas beyond national jurisdiction. The ultimate goal is to ensure clean and healthy oceans for a safe Earth.