You must create global standards for AI, data privacy for diverse needs of countries: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today called on the global organisations for framing of a global digital framework, with clear-cut dos and don'ts for ethical use of technology. Speaking at the inauguration of the International Telecommunication Union - WTSA and India Mobile Congress here, he said just like the aviation sector, where the global community has framed a comprehensive framework, the digital world too needs rules and regulations.

“It's time that global institutions understand and accept the importance of global governance. Global institutions need to set Dos and Don'ts on a global level for technology. All the digital tools and applications available are beyond limitations. They are beyond national boundaries of any country, which is why no country alone can protect its citizens from cyber threats. We will have to work together for this. Global organisations will have to take responsibility for this,” PM Modi said during the joint inauguration ceremony of the ITU-WTSA and the IMC 2024.

Giving out statistics, the Prime Minister said India has in the last decade become an exporter of mobile phones from being an importer and has laid an optic fibre network that is eight-time more than the distance between earth and the moon. “In the past 10 years India has spread optic fibre cable that is eight times the distance between the Earth and the Moon,” he said.

India's digital vision that was unveiled in 2014 rests on four pillars -- making devices cheaper, connectivity reaching all concerns, affordable data and digital-first, he said. "We have made digital connectivity an effective tool for last-mile delivery," he said.

In addition to this, PM Modi also highlighted India's digital journey so far. “In 2014, there were only two mobile manufacturing units in India and today there are more than 200. Earlier we used to import most of the phones from abroad, today we are manufacturing 6 times more mobile phones in India than before,” PM Modi said.

“We are known as a mobile exporter country and we have not stopped here, now we are engaged in providing completely Made-in-India phones to the world, from chips to finished products. We are also making huge investments in semiconductors in India,” he added

At the event, PM Modi also called upon the global organisations to create a safer internet for everyone. “Internet security cannot be an afterthought in this connected world...I urge members of this assembly to create standards that are inclusive, secure and future ready for all challenges. You must create global standards for ethical AI and data privacy that can cater to the diverse needs of various countries,” PM Modi said.