Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) during a conversation with tech mogul Bill Gates but also cautioned about the misuse of the technology without proper training.
The prime minister also called for using watermarks for AI-generated content to address the issue of misuse.
“I suggest that we should start with clear watermarks on AI-generated content to prevent misuse. This is not to devalue AI creations but to recognise them for what they are,” PM said.
He warned about the misuse of AI through deepfakes as well, especially in a democratic country like India. “It is crucial to acknowledge that deepfake content is AI-generated and mention its source. These measures are important, especially at the beginning. We need to establish some dos and don’ts,” Modi said during his conversation with the Microsoft cofounder.
PM Modi also delved into the multifaceted integration of AI across domains. He said India leveraged AI extensively while hosting the G20 summit. India’s G20 campus featured AI-based solutions for language interpretation. Moreover, all chauffeurs were equipped with mobile apps with AI integration which helped in seamless communication with guests who spoke different languages, he said.
Citing his own use of AI, Modi told Gates he used the technology during the Kashi Tamil Sangamam event to translate his Hindi speech into Tamil.
PM Modi jokingly said that kids in India have become so advanced that they are saying ‘AI’ as their first word. “In India, we call mother ‘aai’ in most of the states and now some advanced kids are saying AI as their first word…it’s a joke but aai and AI sound similar,” he said.
The comments come at a time when India is looking to lead the AI space. Earlier this month, PM Modi said that India has the potential to spearhead the AI transformation.
Recently, the Union Cabinet also approved the IndiaAI Mission with an allocation of INR 10,372 Cr over the course of next five years.
The funds will be used to foster innovation in the homegrown AI ecosystem and implement the Mission’s vision via a public-private partnership (PPP) model. The government said that a part of the outlay will also be utilised to facilitate funding for emerging AI startups and spur innovation in the sector.
However, deepfakes have also emerged as an area of concern. In the past, PM Modi has called for global regulations for AI to curb the growing menace of deepfakes.
