Context: AI Governance for Global South
The article argues that India has an opportunity to lead inclusive, ethical and development-oriented AI governance, especially for the Global South.
The concern is that AI governance should not be shaped only by developed countries and large technology companies.
Why AI Governance Matters
AI can transform:
- Public service delivery
- Healthcare
- Education
- Agriculture
- Climate modelling
- Disaster management
- Economic growth
But it also creates risks such as:
- Bias
- Deepfakes
- Surveillance
- Misinformation
- Job disruption
- Algorithmic discrimination
- Concentration of power
Global Power Imbalance in AI
AI capabilities are concentrated in a few countries and corporations because they control:
- Computing power
- Data
- Advanced chips
- Finance
- Research institutions
- Skilled talent
This creates a Global North–South AI divide.
India’s Approach
India’s AI approach focuses on:
1. Inclusive AI
AI should serve development and public welfare.
2. Strategic Autonomy
India must avoid dependence on a single technology bloc.
3. Digital Public Infrastructure
India can use its DPI experience, such as Aadhaar, UPI and CoWIN, to build inclusive AI systems.
4. Data Sovereignty
India needs frameworks for safe and responsible use of data.
5. Capacity Building
The Global South needs access to skills, infrastructure, datasets and computing capacity.
Challenges for India and Global South
1. Data Privacy
AI requires large datasets, but privacy and consent must be protected.
2. Compute Divide
Developing countries lack access to high-end chips and cloud computing resources.
3. Jobs and Livelihoods
AI may disrupt jobs in:
- Services
- BPO
- Customer support
- Creative industries
- Routine clerical work
4. Misinformation and Deepfakes
AI can accelerate political misinformation and social conflict.
5. Cybersecurity
AI can be used for automated cyberattacks and digital fraud.
6. Concentration of Power
A few companies may control AI infrastructure and standards.
Global South Perspective
The Global South needs AI governance based on:
- Access to technology
- Affordable compute
- Open datasets
- Capacity building
- Local-language AI
- Public-interest AI
- Inclusive standard-setting
Way Forward
1. Build Strong Domestic Ecosystem
India should invest in:
- Compute infrastructure
- Semiconductor manufacturing
- Cloud capacity
- AI start-ups
- Open-source models
2. Ensure Responsible AI
Frameworks must focus on:
- Transparency
- Accountability
- Safety
- Fairness
- Privacy
- Explainability
3. Promote Global South Leadership
India can create platforms where developing countries participate in AI rule-making.
4. Build Public-Interest AI
AI should support:
- Agriculture advisory
- Healthcare diagnosis
- Education access
- Disaster prediction
- Welfare delivery
5. Protect Human Rights
AI systems must not violate dignity, privacy, equality and freedom.
Key Takeaway
AI governance is not just a technology issue. It is a geopolitical, ethical and developmental issue. India can lead a Global South approach that makes AI safe, inclusive and development-oriented.
