In view of the uproar over the Centre’s new advisory that needs prior permission for AI models before their launch in India, on 4th March 2024, IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that certain platforms and startups will be free from these rules and regulations.
The minister also announced that the new rules will not be applicable to platforms working in agriculture and healthcare sectors. Ashwini Vaishnaw, however, repeated that social media platforms will come under the purview of the new rules. For the safety of citizens and the country’s democracy, proper training of AI models is necessary, as said by Vaishnav.
Viashnav also added, “It is crucial to ensure the safety of citizens and democracy, Whether an AI model has been tested or not. That’s why the new rules are brought. Some people came and said we didn’t test our AI models correctly, it's not good at all. Social media platforms need to take the responsibility for what businesses are doing”.
He also announced that directives are not the “regulatory framework” or an advisory to “test your (AI) model before launching”. The advisory pertains to “significant platforms” and not startups, as said by the Minister of State (MoS) for Electronics and Information Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar. On 1st March, 2024, the advisory was issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
The advisory is criticised by domestic as well as global founders of AI startups. Also, Perplexity AI’s Aravind Srinivas said it was a bad move. Pratik Desai, Founder of Kisan AI, said the advisory was demotivating.
What Does YFS Have to Say on U-turn by the Government on AI Advisory?
Your First Startup (YFS) reckons the government’s move to withdraw AI advisory from healthcare and agri platforms will help them progress. At the same time, the government’s concern on public safety and democracy is also important.