India Plans To Set Up AI Safety Institute To Shape AI Standards

The Indian government is moving ahead with plans to establish an Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute (AISI). This institute will play a key role in setting standards and frameworks for AI development, ensuring safety without acting as a regulatory body or stifling innovation. A consultation meeting, led by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), sought stakeholder input on the structure and mandate of the AISI.

Global Influence: Learning from Other Countries

India’s decision follows in the footsteps of other countries like the UK, USA, and Japan, which have already launched their own AI Safety Institutes. These nations have committed to international cooperation on AI safety, as outlined in the Seoul Declaration signed by multiple countries earlier in 2024.

Focus on India-Specific AI Challenges

Stakeholders in the October 7 consultation emphasized the importance of developing indigenous AI safety tools that cater to India’s unique challenges. The AISI will focus on understanding the risks of AI development and deployment, and setting standards that are applicable to both national and international needs.

Building Strong Partnerships

One of the key discussions revolved around how AISI can establish strong partnerships, both within India and globally. This involves engaging stakeholders, forming collaborations with industry leaders, and playing an active role in international AI safety discussions.

Structure and Independence of AISI

Stakeholders debated whether the AISI should be housed within MeitY or have more independence, potentially operating from academic institutions like IITs. The institute will likely provide guidance on AI usage, especially as Indian states like Telangana begin using AI in public services.

Budget and Flexibility

The budget for AISI was briefly discussed, with ₹20 crore allocated under the IndiaAI Mission. Singh indicated that more funds could be repurposed from the larger ₹10,372 crore budget approved for the IndiaAI Mission.

Future Mandate of AISI

Initially, the AISI’s mandate will focus on setting AI safety standards, identifying risks, and fostering international collaborations. As it evolves, the institute may contribute to shaping India’s AI policies based on research and global trends.