A senior government official from India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has emphasised that while artificial intelligence offers immense potential for innovation, it must be developed and deployed with strong ethical guardrails. The official stated that AI should empower individuals and society rather than creating risks that undermine public trust. This perspective reflects growing attention within government circles on balancing technological progress with accountability and societal well‑being.
According to the official, key areas of concern include safeguarding privacy, protecting against misleading or harmful content, and ensuring transparent use of AI in media and communications. There is recognition that without adequate oversight, AI tools could contribute to disinformation, bias, and potentially exploit user data in ways that erode confidence in digital platforms. To address these risks, the official urged the development of clear policies and standards that guide responsible AI use across sectors.
Another important point raised was the importance of empowering users with awareness and choice. Educating the public about how AI systems operate, what data they use, and how decisions are made can help people engage more confidently with intelligent technologies. The official also highlighted the need for multi‑stakeholder collaboration — involving government, industry, academia, and civil society — to build frameworks that uphold trust while enabling innovation to flourish.
Overall, the message from the MIB representative is that AI’s future depends as much on governance and public confidence as on technological capability. By implementing thoughtful guardrails, policymakers can help ensure that AI benefits are realised broadly without compromising safety, fairness, or the democratic exchange of information.
