By Ashwani Mishra, Editor-Technology, 63SATS
In a bold call for international cooperation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the urgency of creating a global framework for the ethical use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI). Speaking at the inauguration of the International Telecommunication Union – WTSA and the India Mobile Congress, Modi stressed that as the world becomes more interconnected, security and ethical standards cannot be an afterthought.
“There is a need for a global framework, clear guidelines for digital technology,” PM Modi stated, urging world leaders to come together to ensure the responsible use of AI and digital tools, especially as cyber threats continue to escalate globally.
The Urgency of a Global AI Rulebook
Digital technologies and AI have grown exponentially, breaking geographical barriers and impacting every sector, from healthcare to finance. However, this unprecedented expansion has also amplified risks—cyber threats, privacy violations, disinformation, and lack of accountability among tech giants. PM Modi highlighted that no country can singlehandedly secure its citizens in the digital age, underscoring the need for a united global effort.
For PM Modi, it’s time that “global institutions accept the importance of a rule-based framework for digital technology.” The call to frame global “dos and don’ts” is not only to safeguard individual privacy but also to address issues like media disinformation and ensure that data flows essential to trade and global commerce remain secure.
World Leaders Tackle AI at the UN
The timing of PM Modi’s address couldn’t have been more pertinent.
Just weeks before, AI was a central topic at the United Nations General Assembly, where world leaders discussed how developed nations with advanced AI capabilities could help developing economies harness the power of the technology ethically. AI is seen as both an opportunity and a challenge—a force capable of transforming industries but also a potential source of inequality if left unregulated.
The discussions at the UN highlight a growing global concern that AI, if left unchecked, could lead to major societal disruptions. The United States, European Union, and the United Kingdom have all moved toward stronger governance models. In an unprecedented step, these nations are on the verge of signing a groundbreaking agreement—the Council of Europe’s AI Convention.
The First Legally Binding AI Treaty
This convention, set to be finalized on September 5 in Vilnius, Lithuania, marks the world’s first legally binding international agreement on AI regulation. Named the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence, the treaty places a strong emphasis on human rights and democratic principles as the cornerstones of AI governance.
Developed over two years, with participation from more than 50 countries, the convention is designed to reduce fragmentation in AI rules worldwide while mitigating the risks associated with unchecked AI deployment.
A Risk-Based Framework for AI
The Council of Europe’s AI treaty introduces a risk-based approach to regulating AI, ensuring that signatories are held accountable for any negative impacts their AI systems may have on equality, privacy, or other key rights. Significantly, the treaty provides legal avenues for individuals who may be harmed by AI-driven decisions, offering a crucial layer of protection in an increasingly automated world.
The treaty serves as a model for international AI governance, addressing concerns about AI’s growing influence in fields like surveillance, automated decision-making, and data processing. The Council of Europe’s framework also reinforces the need for transparency in AI development, ensuring that ethical guidelines are baked into the design and deployment of AI systems from the ground up.
India’s Role in Shaping Global AI Governance
India, as one of the world’s largest technology markets and a rising power in digital innovation, is poised to play a crucial role in shaping global AI governance. Prime Minister Modi’s appeal for a rule-based digital order echoes India’s aspirations to be at the forefront of this conversation. With its vast digital economy and increasing cybersecurity focus, India is uniquely positioned to influence the rules that govern how AI is developed and used worldwide.
For PM Modi, the key challenge is to ensure that AI remains a force for good. “Digital tools and applications are beyond any physical boundaries,” he said, stressing that global collaboration is vital to protecting citizens from cyber threats and ensuring AI technologies are used ethically.
Looking Ahead: A Global Path to Ethical AI
PM Modi’s vision for an international framework on digital technology and AI ethics aligns with the growing consensus among global leaders: that AI and digital tools need robust, globally accepted regulations to prevent them from becoming instruments of harm. The digital age presents unprecedented opportunities, but also unprecedented risks. Without clear rules, the very technologies meant to improve lives could instead disrupt societies.
PM Modi’s leadership on the global stage is a call to action—urging world leaders to take a proactive approach to AI governance. As AI continues to evolve, the need for shared ethical guidelines will only grow more urgent. Whether through new international agreements or updated national regulations, it is clear that the future of AI must be built on a foundation of security, fairness, and accountability.
