THE APPROACH TO REGULATING AI IN INDIA

There are various approaches to Al governance and regulation, and valuable lessons can be drawn from how different countries worldwide have handled data regulation and policies

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The governance and regulation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) have garnered significant global attention over the past year. While the discourse has recently shifted from a focus on social safety, inclusivity, and human rights towards prioritising innovation and economic prosperity, only a few countries or regions have so far introduced laws to regulate AI. These include China, the European Union, Canada, Korea, Peru, and the U.S.

(though U.S. President Donald Trump has now revoked former President Joe Biden’s Executive Order related to the utilisation of AI). Several countries, such as the U.K., Japan, Brazil, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Pakistan have draft Bills awaiting approval from their respective legislative assemblies.

A more common approach globally has been the publication of a policy or strategy document that outlines the country’s intentions, plans, budgets, and a road map for leveraging AI to foster socio-economic development, while ensuring that the resultant growth is inclusive, ethical, and sustainable. About 85 countries and the African Union have published some official (National) AI Strategy documents.

India’s approach

India, however, appears to have taken a different approach. It has neither an officially approved National AI Strategy document nor a law specifically regulating AI. Instead, it has focused its resources on a government mission designed to support the development and adoption of AI. The NITI Aayog document titled ‘National Strategy for Artificial Intelli-