PM Modi calls for inclusive, secure telecom services & ethical AI

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for making telecom services safer and underlined the need for a global regulatory framework for digital applications along with responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI).

Addressing the inaugural proceedings of the World Telecommunication Standardisation Assembly (WTSA-24) and India Mobile Congress-2024 on Tuesday, the PM also batted for creating inclusive and secure telecom standards. "In this interconnected world, security cannot be an afterthought. We should work together to protect our citizens. We have created a framework for the aviation sector, (and) the digital world also needs it," the PM said.

Modi called on the WTSA to create standards that are inclusive, secure and adaptable for future challenges. "WTSA will have to work to make telecommunications safe for everyone."

India's Data Protection Act and National Cyber Security Strategy, he said, are the country's commitments on this score.

Modi also called for creating " ethical AI" to respect diversity. "It is important we try to give technology a human-centric dimension in today's technology revolution," he said. The prime minister said India had become the second-largest 5G market in the world and is now working on 6G technology.

Speaking at the event, communications minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said India is poised to lead the world in developing 6G technology. "The IMC and the international 6G symposium demonstrates both local and global advancements in 6G and also design principles that will shape the future of telecom," Scindia said.

He added that by virtue of the Bharat 6G Alliance, India is looking to gain a 10% share of all future 6G-related global patent filings and also make a sixth of the contributions towards development of (related) global telecom standards.

6G is slated to pave the way for fast broadband networks powered by AI, allowing automated infrastructure optimisation.

The PM, on his part, said India's reforms in the telecoms sector "are unimaginable" and that the mobile data rate in the country at roughly "12 cents per GB" is 20 times cheaper than many countries of the world.

Modi added that ONDC or 'open network for digital commerce' had become another focus area. "ONDC is going to bring new technologies. We have seen how our digital platforms have made everything easier."