Indian government proposes AI oversight board and mandates bureaucrat training

The Indian government is increasing the oversight for artificial intelligence (AI) in the governance of the country by imposing AI regulations for government bureaucrats AI training, and creating a special body to oversee government's use of AI.

As part of the recently announced AI Competency Framework for public Officials -- which is part of the overall IndiaAI Mission -- the government has proposed the establishment of an AI governance committee to review and approve AI applications. The board will ensure that the AI applications are in compliance with the ethical and legal guidelines.

"Establish a dedicated AI Governance Board with the objective of reviewing and authorising AI applications," the framework suggests.

The framework does not specifically specify if the governance body will approve and review AI applications that are in the private sector or if the board's mandate is solely restricted on government-led AI initiatives.

The AI framework also stresses that officials in government must acquire an understanding of AI's ethical as well as security issues.

It will also play a key role in reviewing AI initiatives throughout their lifecycle," the framework suggests.

In addition to approval from regulators the panel is expected to offer advice to ensure that AI applications are technologically sound and socially responsible.

One of the major issues raised by the Framework is the bias of AI systems, especially in regards to the representation of communities that are marginalized.

In the year 2000, a debate flared up after the government in a document, urged artificial intelligence companies to get their approval prior to the launch of the AI service in India. The advisory was removed following a massive backlash from the tech industry, who described it as "regressive" as well as susceptible to "stifling innovation".