Governance of AI technology – How AI is changing what sovereignty means

Source: The post governance of AI technology has been created, based on the article “How AI is changing what sovereignty means” published in “Indian express” on 5th January 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper3- Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.

News: The article highlights the imperative for ethical governance of AI technology, focusing on human rights amidst digital sovereignty, misinformation, and privacy challenges.

What is AI technology?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a way of making a computer, a computer-controlled robot, or software perform human-like tasks. The term was coined in 1956 by John McCarthy. It refers to the ability of machines to perform cognitive tasks like thinking, perceiving, learning, problem solving and decision making.

For more information on What is AI technology read here

What opportunities does AI technology provide?

Good Governance: Initiatives like the UN’s ethical AI framework aim for good governance and just development, stressing respect, diversity, and ecological sustainability.

Market Growth: The free market approach to AI, particularly in the U.S., has significantly fostered industry growth. For instance, the social media industry’s global prominence is projected by the Business Research Company to reach $454.37 billion by 2027.

Human Rights Focus: The EU’s model prioritizes a human rights-based approach, aiming for an equitable and human-centric digital economy. This showcases AI’s potential to align with and promote human dignity and rights.

Consumer Benefit: AI drives advancements in big data analytics and the Internet of Things, providing customized services and products to meet specific consumer needs and preferences.

What challenges are faced in the governance of AI technology?

Digital Sovereignty: The shift from territorial to digital sovereignty complicates international governance, leading to challenges in managing data and information across borders.

Misinformation and Privacy: AI’s capacity to manipulate information and erode privacy is a significant concern. The spread of disinformation and erosion of decisional privacy are key issues needing stringent governance.

Diverse Regulatory Approaches: The clash between different regulatory models, like the U.S.’s techno-optimistic model and China’s state-driven approach, creates a complex landscape for harmonizing AI governance globally.

Technological Control vs. Human Rights: Balancing technological advancement with human rights is a persistent challenge. The EU’s human rights-based approach highlights the difficulty in ensuring AI supports inclusive and sustainable development without infringing on personal freedoms and dignity.

For information on challenges in regulation of AI read here

What initiatives are being taken for the governance of AI technology?

UNICEF-led Initiatives: Establishing ethical guidelines for AI, focusing on human rights, diversity, and ecological sustainability, aiming for good governance globally.

US free market approach: Promoting a free digital model, allowing AI industries to grow under market forces, evidenced by significant industry growth.

EU human rights-based approach: Implementing a strategy that respects human rights as a precondition for inclusive and sustainable development, promoting a human-centric digital economy.

China state-driven regulatory model: Adopting a regulatory approach that combines political control with technological advancement, influencing developing nations and setting a distinct governance style.

For information on the status of regulation of AI in India and across the globe read here
Way forward

As AI continues to evolve, the challenge is to ensure its alignment with human values and rights. The global community needs to address the use of AI in warfare, misinformation, and surveillance, striving for a future where technology supports rather than undermines human dignity.

Question for practice:

Discuss the various approaches and initiatives taken for the governance of AI technology.