Question of the Day

India should draw the line between mandatory AI rules and voluntary standards by adopting a hybrid approach that combines both. For high-risk sectors, binding rules are necessary to ensure public safety and accountability. These sectors would require stringent measures like testing before deployment, independent audits, and transparency in AI operations to mitigate risks such as deepfakes and cyberattacks [1], [2], [3]. Conversely, in fast-moving technological areas, voluntary standards offer the flexibility needed to support innovation and growth without stifling technological advancement. This blend allows India to tailor its AI safety framework to local languages, scales, and applications while remaining globally competitive and inclusive, especially for the Global South [1], [2], [3].

The rationale for this approach is that it pairs the strong regulatory oversight necessary for high-risk areas with the adaptability required in rapidly evolving domains, thereby closing gaps in civil rights and public safety, while fostering an ecosystem where AI can be developed and deployed responsibly [1], [2].