India's AI governance guidelines push for user consent and data transparency

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has announced the India AI Governance Guidelines as part of its IndiaAI initiative. These guidelines advocate for a human-centric approach to AI, ensuring that systems are designed to empower individuals and align with their values. According to S. Krishnan, Secretary of MeitY, the core principle is to leverage existing laws while prioritizing human-centricity in AI development. He stated, "Our focus remains on using existing legislation wherever possible. At the heart of it all is human centricity, ensuring AI serves humanity and benefits people’s lives while addressing potential harms." One of the key aspects highlighted in the guidelines is the importance of user consent and transparency in data handling. The document notes that utilizing personal data without the user's consent for AI training is regulated by the Digital Personal Data Protection Act. The guidelines also stress that AI systems should be designed to be understandable, providing clear explanations for users and regulators about their functions and implications. It emphasizes that regulators should have insight into the design processes, involved parties, and data flows throughout the AI development and deployment stages. Moreover, AI companies are mandated to create accessible grievance redressal systems to uphold accountability. These mechanisms should facilitate easy reporting of issues and be available in multiple languages and formats. The framework also addresses the risks associated with AI, such as deepfakes, algorithmic bias, and implications for national security. It calls for an India-specific risk assessment framework based on empirical evidence to effectively manage these challenges. Another critical focus is on ensuring that AI outcomes are fair and unbiased, particularly for marginalized communities. The guidelines urge the use of AI to foster inclusive development while effectively mitigating risks of exclusion and discrimination.