A Defining Moment in India’s AI Policy Journey
As India accelerates its digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a critical enabler of economic growth, public service delivery, and national security. At such a transformative time, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has issued a clarion call for balanced AI regulation—urging lawmakers, technologists, and civil society to align innovation with democratic accountability and human rights.
Speaking at the launch of AI on Trial, a book by Rajya Sabha MP Sujeet Kumar, Dhankhar warned against the unchecked rise of algorithmic systems, asserting that “citizens must not become subjects of technology, but its true beneficiaries.”
The Core Dilemma: Serving Citizens or Serving Code?
In a powerful address that resonates across global AI policy circles, Vice President Dhankhar asked a critical question:
“Do we wish to become a digital dystopia where humans serve algorithms or a humane Indian society where technology serves the people?”
This statement draws attention to the growing global concern that AI, if not properly regulated, could bypass ethical boundaries, ignore democratic oversight, and diminish public trust in governance and justice.
The Call for a National Artificial Intelligence Authority
To address these concerns, the Vice President proposed the establishment of a National Artificial Intelligence Authority (NAIA)—a policy and regulatory institution with wide representation from:
- Government bodies
- Academia and research institutions
- Technology industry leaders
- Legal and civil rights advocates
This authority would not only shape India’s AI strategy but ensure transparency, ethical audits, bias mitigation, and inclusive innovation aligned with the Indian Constitution.
Defending Digital Rights in the Algorithmic Era
Dhankhar’s address emphasized the need for citizen-centric AI governance that actively protects fundamental rights. His proposals included several landmark digital rights that could form the foundation of India’s future AI law:
- Right to Explanation: Every citizen should know how an AI system arrived at a decision affecting their life.
- Right to Contest Automated Decisions: Particularly essential in domains like recruitment, law enforcement, healthcare, and financial services.
- Right to Meaningful Consent: Users must have full knowledge and control over their data usage—far beyond hidden checkboxes in lengthy privacy policies.
These principles echo the core frameworks suggested by global authorities like the OECD AI Principles, the EU AI Act, and the UNESCO AI Ethics Guidelines.
Why AI Without Oversight Is a Threat to Democracy
The Vice President also cautioned against the silent threats posed by unregulated AI systems. He highlighted that:
- Deepfakes and AI-generated disinformation are already impacting public discourse.
- Automated decision-making in government processes, if opaque, could erode public trust in justice and administration.
- Mass surveillance and data profiling can marginalize vulnerable communities, violating India’s constitutional guarantees.
His warning aligns with findings from a 2023 Stanford HAI report, which documented a sharp rise in public distrust in algorithm-driven systems due to lack of transparency and accountability.
India’s Unique Responsibility in Global AI Governance
While many countries are still debating AI policy, India’s democratic structure and vibrant tech ecosystem place it in a unique leadership position. Dhankhar urged policymakers to adopt a “glocal” approach—adhering to global ethical standards while crafting laws that reflect India’s cultural and constitutional ethos.
This dual strategy, he emphasized, is crucial to preserve India’s cyber sovereignty while promoting inclusive and accountable digital progress.
Industry and Civil Society Reaction
The Vice President’s remarks have been welcomed across sectors:
“India needs a national AI framework that goes beyond business interests to empower its citizens and safeguard democracy.”
— Dr. P. Anandan, CEO, Wadhwani Institute for AI
“The right to contest algorithmic decisions is vital for digital justice. This speech puts the citizen back at the center.”
— Meenakshi Ganguly, Civil Rights Advocate
Building the Legal Blueprint: Recommendations for India’s AI Framework
To implement the vision laid out by Dhankhar, the following policy priorities are emerging:
- Enactment of a Digital Rights Charter focused on algorithmic fairness, data consent, and transparency.
- Independent AI audits to detect bias and discrimination in automated systems.
- Clear grievance redressal mechanisms for citizens harmed by AI decisions.
- Whistleblower protections for employees flagging unethical AI development.
- Mandatory algorithmic impact assessments before deployment in public governance.
India can also draw from global best practices, particularly from:
- The EU AI Act, which classifies risk levels for different AI systems
- OECD Guidelines on trustworthy AI
- NITI Aayog’s Discussion Paper on AI for All, which recommends responsible innovation principles
Image and Infographic (for web embed)
Alt Text: Infographic showing key pillars of India’s proposed AI regulatory framework
Filename: india-ai-governance-framework.jpg
Recommended Reads from FreshData
- How India Can Lead in Ethical AI Innovation
- Understanding Deepfakes and Their Socio-Political Impact
- Public Trust in AI: Building Transparent Systems for Governance
FAQs
What did Vice President Dhankhar say about AI regulation?
He advocated for balanced AI laws that prioritize human rights, transparency, and innovation.
What is the purpose of the National Artificial Intelligence Authority?
To oversee AI governance in India with input from diverse stakeholders and ensure ethical, fair, and transparent AI practices.
Why is AI regulation important for India?
To prevent misuse of technology, protect democratic values, and safeguard citizen rights in the digital era.
What is the right to explanation in AI?
It ensures that individuals can understand why an AI made a decision that affects their lives.
Can citizens contest decisions made by AI in India?
This is a proposed right under future AI legislation to ensure fairness and accountability.
How can AI harm democracy?
Through deepfakes, biased decisions, and data-driven profiling, unregulated AI can manipulate public opinion and reduce trust in institutions.
What is meant by meaningful consent in AI usage?
It means users should clearly understand and control how their data is used, with no hidden conditions.
Is India following international AI ethics guidelines?
Yes, India aligns with OECD and UNESCO guidelines but also aims to preserve its digital sovereignty.
What are the risks of AI in governance?
Opaque decisions, lack of accountability, and potential for surveillance or discrimination.
What should Indian businesses prepare for in AI compliance?
They must build transparent AI systems, conduct bias audits, and prioritize ethical deployment.
Final Thoughts: Crafting an AI-Ready Democracy
Vice President Dhankhar’s remarks represent a timely intervention in India’s AI discourse. As technology increasingly governs decisions once made by humans, embedding ethics, accountability, and citizen empowerment into digital systems is not a choice—but a necessity. India now stands at the threshold of becoming a global leader in responsible AI governance, and the roadmap begins with aligning policy with constitutional values and public trust.
