Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers immense opportunities for innovation and governance but also raises profound ethical concerns. Discuss the major ethical issues associated with AI and suggest measures to ensure its responsible use. (10M, 150 words)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming governance, business, defence, and society. However, the rapid pace of adoption has outpaced ethical frameworks, creating risks such as bias, privacy infringement, misinformation, and job displacement. Addressing these ethical concerns is vital to ensure that AI remains human-centric and inclusive.

Ethical Concerns Associated with AI:

1. Deepfakes & Misinformation: AI-generated deepfakes spread disinformation (e.g., fake video of Ukrainian President Zelenskyy surrendering) which threatens democratic processes and social trust.
2. Algorithmic Bias: Biased data training reinforces discrimination. As per the UNESCO study, LLMs disproportionately associated women with domestic roles.
3. Data Privacy: AI relies on massive personal datasets, risking misuse and surveillance. For example, Generative AI tools scrape personal details, raising concerns of identity theft.
4. Black Box Problem: Opaque decision-making makes accountability difficult. For example, Air Canada has been held liable for chatbot misrepresentation.
5. Unemployment: WEF estimates that 85 million jobs would be lost to AI by 2025. Sectors such as India’s BPO sector are especially vulnerable to AI-powered chatbots.
6. Autonomous Weapons: Use of AI in warfare raises grave humanitarian concerns.
7. Equity and ecology issues:
   1. Internet penetration in India is only at 52%, limiting AI access to poor and underprivileged.
   1. Google reported 17% rise in electricity consumption by data centres in 2023 due to AI.

Steps Taken to Address Ethical Concerns:

Global Initiatives:

• EU AI Act, 2023: First comprehensive AI regulation ensuring safety, accountability, and risk-based classification.
• UNESCO AI Ethics Framework, 2021: Focuses on inclusion, sustainability, and human rights.
• OECD Principles on AI: Adopted by 46 countries, promoting fairness and transparency.
• GPAI (Global Partnership on AI): Collaborative platform for bias reduction and inclusive AI.

Indian Initiatives:

• National Strategy on AI: “AI for All” vision, with emphasis on Responsible AI.
• IndiaAI Mission: Public-private partnerships for indigenous AI innovation.
• Responsible AI for Youth: Training school students in ethical AI use.
• Personal Data Protection Act: Regulates data use and ensures data sovereignty.
• RBI FREE-AI Committee: Developing ethical AI framework for financial sector.

Steps to ensure Ethical AI:

• Comprehensive AI Legal Framework: India must enact a dedicated AI Act similar to the EU AI Act, providing a risk-based classification of AI systems.
• Ethical AI Standards & Guidelines: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) should frame detailed ethical AI benchmarks aligned with global frameworks like OECD Principles and UNESCO’s AI Ethics Charter.
• Bridging the Digital Divide: Expanding internet connectivity, cloud computing access, and AI literacy programs in rural and underserved regions is essential to democratize AI benefits.
• Human-Centric AI Development: AI must augment human decision-making rather than replace it. Priority should be given to healthcare, agriculture, disaster management, education, and climate change solutions.
• Independent AI Regulatory Authority: India should establish a dedicated AI regulator, similar to the Competition Commission or SEBI, to monitor AI applications across sectors, enforce ethical compliance and handle liability disputes.
• Strengthening Public Awareness: Large-scale AI ethics literacy campaigns for citizens, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to build trust. AI ethics should be incorporated into school and university curricula, creating a generation of AI-aware professionals.
• Promoting Indigenous AI R&D: Public–private partnerships and schemes like IndiaAI Mission can ensure innovation without overdependence on foreign technologies.

Conclusion:

AI is not just a technological revolution but a moral test for humanity. Ensuring Responsible, Inclusive, and Human-Centric AI is essential to harness its benefits while mitigating risks. With proactive governance, India can position itself as a global leader in ethical AI development.

‘+ 1’ Value Addition:

• As per WEF,85M jobs lost but 97M new jobs may emerge due to AI which shows its dual use nature.
• McKinsey report says800M jobs globally could be displaced by 2030 due to automation.
• India’s NIRAMAI AI tool for early breast cancer detection – shows ethical AI benefits.
• AI data centres consume 4% of global electricity demand by 2030 (IEA projection).
• G20 New Delhi Declaration, 2023, called for responsible, safe, and human-centric AI.

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