At the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit held at the Grand Palais in Paris, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) while addressing concerns related to employment, the necessity for re-skilling, and the challenges posed by deepfakes. He underscored the importance of preparing the workforce for an AI-driven future, stating, “Loss of jobs is AI’s most feared disruption, but history has shown that work does not disappear due to technology; only its nature changes. We need to invest in skilling and re-skilling our people for an AI-driven future.”
The Prime Minister’s remarks align with ongoing discussions about the impact of AI on the job market. Studies suggest that while AI may automate certain tasks, it also creates new opportunities, necessitating a shift in skill sets. A position paper titled “The Impact of Large Language Multi-Modal Models on the Future of Job Market” analyzes how advancements in AI, particularly large language models, could influence employment. The paper emphasizes the need for a balanced coexistence between AI and human workers, highlighting the importance of re-skilling to adapt to changing job requirements.
In his address, PM Modi also highlighted the importance of developing open-source systems to enhance trust and transparency in AI applications. He advocated for building quality data centers free from biases and emphasized the need to democratize technology to create people-centric applications. He stated, “We must develop open-source systems that enhance trust and transparency. We must build quality data centers free from biases; we must democratize technology and create people-centered applications.”
The Prime Minister’s call to action reflects a broader ethical consideration in the deployment of AI technologies. A study titled “Future of work: ethics” discusses the importance of designing digital technology to enhance human skills and make more productive use of human cognition. The study warns against over-automation and emphasizes that digital technology should be designed to complement human abilities rather than replace them.
PM Modi also addressed concerns related to cybersecurity, disinformation, and deepfakes, which are manipulated media created using AI. He stressed the need for collective global efforts to establish governance and standards that uphold shared values, address risks, and build trust. He remarked, “AI is developing at an unprecedented scale and speed and being adapted and deployed even faster. There is also a deep interdependence across borders. Therefore, there is a need for collective global efforts to establish governance and standards that uphold our shared values, address risks, and build trust.”
The Prime Minister’s emphasis on governance aligns with the need to ensure that AI technologies are accessible to all, especially in regions lacking resources. He asserted that governance is about ensuring access to everyone, particularly in the Global South, where capabilities may be lacking in terms of power, talent, data, or financial resources. He noted, “It is where the capabilities are most lacking, be it power, talent, or data for the financial resources. AI can help transform millions of lives by improving health, education, agriculture, and so much more. It can help create a world in which the journey to sustainable development goals becomes easier and faster.”
The summit also featured discussions on the global implications of AI. French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the need for a trusted framework for AI to avoid global division. He warned that “if we break the trust, AI will divide the world,” highlighting the importance of building trust to ensure the successful rollout of AI technologies.
In summary, Prime Minister Modi’s address at the AI Action Summit in Paris highlighted the transformative potential of AI while acknowledging the challenges it presents. His emphasis on re-skilling, ethical deployment, and global cooperation underscores the need for a balanced approach to harnessing AI’s benefits while mitigating its risks. As AI continues to evolve, such discussions are crucial to ensure that its development and deployment are aligned with shared human values and contribute to the collective good.
