In News:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping economies, governance, and societies at an unprecedented pace. While AI offers transformative opportunities in healthcare, education, mobility, and governance, it also poses challenges of bias, misinformation, data privacy, and ethical use. Recognizing the urgency of global cooperation, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has launched two institutional mechanisms to advance inclusive and responsible AI governance.

UNGA’s Two New Initiatives on AI Governance (2025)

1. Independent International Scientific Panel on AI
   • Serves as a bridge between research and policymaking.
   • Provides independent scientific assessments of emerging AI risks and opportunities.
   • Annual reports to be presented at the Global Dialogue sessions in 2026 (Geneva) and 2027 (New York).
2. Global Dialogue on AI Governance
   • An inclusive UN platform for member states and stakeholders.
   • Facilitates deliberation on critical AI issues: ethical use, regulation, global standards, and equitable access.
   • Complements the Global Digital Compact, adopted as part of the Pact for the Future (2024).

India’s AI Governance Landscape

• Legal Framework:
  • No dedicated AI law. AI is currently governed under:
    • IT Act, 2000 – cybercrimes, intermediary liability.
    • Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 – data privacy.
    • IPR laws – regulation of AI-generated works.
• Policy Initiatives:
  • NITI Aayog’s National Strategy on AI (2018): Focus on healthcare, agriculture, education, mobility, smart cities.
  • Principles for Responsible AI (2021): Emphasize safety, transparency, fairness, accountability, and inclusivity.
• Global Engagement:
  • Hosted the GPAI Summit (2023).
  • Co-chaired the AI Action Summit with France (2025).
  • Set to host the AI Impact Summit (2026).
  • Actively shaping norms of ethical AI use in the Global South.