Artificial Intelligence In Hands of Terrorists ‘A Big Threat’: PM Calls for Steps To Ensure Responsible AI Use

Amid concerns over Artificial Intelligence’s misuse, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said AI tools going into the hands of terrorists is a “big threat” while calling for steps to ensure responsible use of Artificial Intelligence.

Speaking at the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence Summit, the Prime Minister elaborated on the positive and negative impacts of Artificial Intelligence and said deepfake is a challenge for the whole world.

“AI has several positive impacts, but it has many negative impacts too which is a matter of concern. AI can become the biggest tool in the development of the 21st century. But it can also play the biggest role in destroying the 21st century,” PM Modi was quoted as saying by ANI.

“Deepfake is a challenge for the whole world. AI tools going into the hands of terrorists are also a big threat. If terrorist organisations get AI weapons, this will have a huge impact on global security. We need to plan how to tackle this,” he added.

PM Expresses Concern over Deepfake: What is the AI Technology, How it is Created & Laws Against It

Govt to Launch AI Mission in Bharat, Says PM Modi

The Prime Minister also informed that the government is set to launch AI Mission in the country to promote the use of the technology in various sectors, including Agriculture and healthcare. He stated that the country’s National AI Portal will play an important role in promoting government’s initiatives.

“We are set to launch the AI Mission in Bharat, with a focus on promoting the use of AI in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and education. Our National AI Portal will play a crucial role in supporting and promoting these AI initiatives,” PM Modi said.

PM Modi Pitches For ‘AI For All’

Bringing in the reference of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’, PM Modi said that the central government working towards building policies and programs that are inspired by the spirit of ‘AI For All’. He further added that India is committed to responsible and ethical use of AI.

“Our development mantra in India is, Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. We have prepared government policies and programs inspired by the spirit of ‘AI For All’. Our endeavour is to take full advantage of the capabilities of AI for social development and inclusive growth. India is fully committed to responsible and ethical use of AI.”

Concerns Over Misuse of AI

Last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged journalists to educate people on Artificial Intelligence and Deepfake. “I saw a video recently where I was singing. People who like me forwarded it,” he said during ‘Diwali Milan’ program at BJP’s central office in New Delhi.

The misuse of AI came into the limelight after a deepfake video of actress Rashmika Mandanna was found circulating on social media platforms earning criticism from several politicians and celebrities. Netizens claimed the video has been morphed and the actual video is of an Indian-origin person living in the UK.

Later, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology of India, had earlier called out social media platforms for their inability to handle content containing deepfakes and misinformation. He also emphasizes the importance of internet-based platforms to adhere to the IT rules notified in April 2023.

In its advisory, the IT Ministry has directed social media companies to expeditiously take action against the content that violates the rules and regulations well within the timeframes stipulated under the IT Rules 2021, and users are caused not to host such information, content, deepfakes.

“Remove any such content when reported within 36 hours of such reporting and ensure expeditious action, well within the timeframes stipulated under the IT Rules 2021, and disable access to the content or information,” the statement said.