PM Modi calls for open-source AI and bias-free data at Paris Summit

While acknowledging the enormous potential of AI, PM Modi expressed concern over the rapid pace at which AI is being developed and deployed

Addressing the AI Action Summit in Paris, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the need for unbiased, high-quality data to build trustworthy and transparent artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The summit, co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron, brought together world leaders, tech innovators, and policymakers to discuss the far-reaching impacts of AI across sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and more.

Global collaboration for fair AI development

Prime Minister Modi stressed the importance of collaborative global efforts to shape AI governance and democratize technology. “AI holds the power to change millions of lives by enhancing various sectors, and it can significantly accelerate our journey toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, to realize AI’s true potential, we must develop open-source systems that foster trust and transparency,” he emphasized.

Modi pointed out that the key to successful AI adoption lies in creating data sets that are free from bias. AI models can perpetuate harmful stereotypes when they are trained on data that doesn’t represent all populations fairly. He explained that biased AI can lead to inaccurate outcomes, such as when image searches for high-paying jobs predominantly show white men, or when health-related queries are less accurate for specific groups, such as Black communities. He also referred to the case where AI systems may fail to recognize left-handed people due to the dominance of right-handed data in training models.

Swift rise of AI and the call for ethical frameworks

While acknowledging the enormous potential of AI, PM Modi expressed concern over the rapid pace at which AI is being developed and deployed. "AI is evolving at an unprecedented rate, and we must ensure that ethical frameworks keep up with its expansion," he said. He further emphasized the need for AI systems to be rooted in local ecosystems to be truly effective and beneficial.

The Prime Minister also called for a collective global response to address AI risks and ensure that the technology serves humanity equitably. "Given the interconnected nature of AI across borders, it is crucial that we establish governance systems and standards that uphold our shared values, minimize risks, and promote trust," he concluded.

The AI Action Summit underscored the need for ethical AI development, with a focus on fairness, inclusivity, and transparency, ensuring that the technology benefits all of society.