"Mother of all technologies": Jaishankar calls for AI guardrails
EAM S Jaishankar describes AI as the mother of all technologies, calling for global regulation and social equity to ensure inclusive benefits.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has described Artificial Intelligence (AI) as the "mother of all technologies," warning that its pervasive nature requires urgent global discussions on regulation, responsibility, and social inclusiveness.
Speaking at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum on Tuesday, Jaishankar emphasized that AI is fundamentally different from previous technological shifts. Unlike nuclear technology, which was managed by a limited number of users, AI is destined to be far more widespread, impacting the daily lives of almost every person on the planet.
A Paradigm Shift Beyond Nuclear Tech
Comparing AI to other transformative forces, the External Affairs Minister noted that finding a parallel paradigm is nearly impossible. While nuclear technology is often used as a benchmark for regulation, he pointed out a critical distinction in scale and accessibility.
- Scope of Impact: AI is set to be far more pervasive than any previous innovation.
- Universal Stakeholders: Unlike specialized technologies, AI is something in which "everybody will have a stake."
- Daily Integration: The technology is expected to weave itself into the fabric of everyday life.
Shifting Focus from Hardware to Human Impact
Jaishankar observed that current global discussions often get bogged down in the technical and logistical requirements of AI development. He noted that the conversation is currently dominated by topics such as computing power, semiconductor chips, energy consumption, water usage, and financing.
However, he urged leaders to look beyond the "immediate" technical hurdles. "At the end of the day, you're going to apply it to people," Jaishankar remarked. He questioned where the actual use cases would arise, what the specific applications would be, and—most importantly—what the consequences for humanity would be.
Threats to Democratic Processes
A significant portion of the discussion centered on the implications for democratic societies. Jaishankar highlighted legitimate concerns regarding how AI might influence politics and the credibility of democratic exercises. As the technology becomes more sophisticated, its ability to impact political discourse and public perception poses a new challenge to the integrity of democratic systems.
India’s Stance: Regulation and Social Equity
Addressing India's specific approach to governance, the Minister stated there is a broad consensus within the Indian government and society regarding the need for strict guardrails. The focus, he suggested, must be on creating a framework for responsibility.
Furthermore, Jaishankar stressed the necessity of inclusiveness. He argued that AI must be made accessible and affordable, ensuring its benefits are not monopolized by a few powerful entities. Instead, the technology should be available to people in a way that aligns with their comfort and allows them to maintain agency over their own lives.
Reflecting on India's digital journey, Jaishankar cited the country's ability to use digital capabilities to drive massive social transformation and governance as a blueprint for leveraging AI for social equity and public welfare.