AI Safety Institute Proposal
In October 2023, India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) discussed creating an AI Safety Institute under the IndiaAI Mission.
The initiative aligns with global AI governance efforts, particularly the UN’s Global Digital Compact and the ongoing Global Dialogue on AI safety.
The aim is to enhance India’s leadership in AI governance by focusing on domestic AI capacity, international collaborations, and human-centric safety.
Learning from Global AI Safety Institutes
India should avoid overly prescriptive regulatory controls like those in the EU and China, which may limit information sharing and innovation.
Instead, India can take inspiration from AI Safety Institutes in the U.S. and U.K., which focus on risk assessments, proactive information sharing, and non-regulatory oversight.
The Bletchley process, a network of global AI Safety Institutes, offers a platform for India to collaborate internationally and share expertise on AI safety.
Institutional Design and Global Collaboration
The AI Safety Institute should function as a technical, research-focused agency rather than a regulatory body, avoiding conflicts with rulemaking authorities.
It should engage with the Bletchley network and address AI risks such as bias, discrimination, and privacy, reflecting the concerns of marginalized communities.
By integrating into global AI safety frameworks, India can become a leader in human-centric AI governance and provide evidence-based solutions for AI’s risks.
Positioning India as a Global Leader in AI Governance
India can strengthen the global AI safety conversation by advocating for inclusive AI policies that consider risks like social exclusion, gendered impacts, and labor market disruptions.
The AI Safety Institute can contribute to a more collaborative, evidence-driven approach to AI governance, helping India position itself as a steward of responsible AI innovation on the world stage.
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