Allow innovation in GenAI space albeit with riders

Artificial intelligence is a formidable invention of the technology world. Generative AI is a major breakthrough, as it can bring in seismic changes across sectors in more than one. The formal ways of working are likely to see transformative changes in the coming years. No wonder, from school children to college professors and from IT firms to manufacturing entities, all are curious about the possible impact of Gen AI on their lives. The popularity of OpenAI’s ChatGPT is evidenced by the patronisation of Gen AI across the world. However, one must be cautioned that every technology comes with its own set of risks. For instance, like OpenAI, several companies are coming up with their own LLMs (Large Language Models). Recently, Google was embroiled in a controversy after its Gen AI tool ‘Gemini’ gave inaccurate response about Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Subsequently, Google issued an apology to Modi and the Indian government over its AI platform’s response.

On its part, the Union government has issued an advisory to the extent that all untested LLMs have to take its clearance before launching them. However, following a hue and cry by startups, the Centre clarified that LLMs developed by startups will not be subject to such regulations. "Recent advisory of @GoI_MeitY needs to be understood. Advisory is aimed at the Significant platforms and permission seeking from Meity is only for large platforms and will not apply to startups," Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar wrote in ‘X’. Seen from a broader perspective, this episode has several lessons. Considering the speed with which generative AI is making inroads, it is impossible to gauge its impact on sectors and the society as a whole. It is becoming amply clear that Gen AI can bring in significant changes in our lives. For instance, it can change perceptions about political leaders or it can create deep fake videos of important public figures and spread religious disharmony. The fact is that Gen AI will amplify the impact of social media in a significant way.

While the world is struggling to regulate social media platforms, Gen AI has created further complications. Against this backdrop, governments across the world need to regulate Gen AI tools, not forgetting that Gen AI comes with myriad benefits. It can save costs for both public and private companies, leading to overall prosperity. From health to education, citizens will benefit significantly from it. Hence, too many regulations on innovations in Gen AI space will not do any good for the world. In this respect, the Union government’s advisory on LLMs is a welcome move. Startups should be allowed to innovate in the Gen AI space so that several complex problems can be solved. Moreover, LLMs depend on data and these can be gathered when more users use such platforms. For building accurate algorithm, startups have to do experiments on their LLMs. Meanwhile, regulations should be in coordination with other nations so as to arrive at a globally applicable, and relevant, outcome.