Om Birla warns of tech misuse, AI threats at Commonwealth meet
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday said while emerging technology has increased efficiency, its misuse has also presented serious challenges such as misinformation, cybercrimes and social disharmony caused by it, and called for effective solutions to counter the threat posed to democracies across the world.
He also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership is giving decisive resolutions to global challenges at a time when the world is looking at him for leadership.
Addressing the 28th conference of speakers and presiding officers of the Commonwealth in the historic Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan (the old Parliament building), the Speaker said that in India's over seven-decade-long parliamentary journey, democracy has been strengthened through people-centric policies and welfare-focused legislations.
Addressing the gathering in the presence of the prime minister and Rajya Sabha Deputy Chair Harivansh, Birla said today the world is undergoing an unprecedented technological transformation. Artificial intelligence (AI) and social media have increased the efficiency and effectiveness of democratic institutions, he said.
“However, their misuse has also presented us with serious challenges such as misinformation, cybercrimes and social division. It is our collective responsibility to seriously consider these challenges and find appropriate solutions," Birla said.
Ethical AI and authentic and accountable social media, the Speaker said, are the need of the hour. "I hope that this conference will have in-depth discussions on this important global issue and that concrete policy decisions will be taken so that we can develop a roadmap for the ideal use of AI and social media in democratic institutions," he said.
He underscored that a neutral and impartial electoral system has ensured participative democracy for all eligible citizens.
Birla said the collective efforts of Parliament and Government have ensured the repeal of several (over 1500 till date) unwanted and obsolete laws and enactment of new welfare-focused legislations. He said the enactment of such laws and policies helps India in becoming a self-reliant and developed country.
Rajya Sabha Deputy Chair Harivansh asserted that the Indian parliamentary system draws its strength from the age-old tradition of dialogue, debate and dissent — values which are central to a true democracy. He said the presence of delegates from across the globe reflects India's philosophy that the world is one family. Harivansh said the meet is an opportunity to collectively reflect upon evolving challenges and exchange best practices. He reminded that presiding officers have the responsibility to uphold the dignity of legislatures, ensuring fairness in proceedings and safeguarding democratic norms.
