PM Modi Champions Ethical AI, Launches IndiaAI Safety Institute to Combat Deepfakes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has detailed India's comprehensive approach to regulating Artificial Intelligence, emphasizing the need for strong ethical safeguards alongside innovation. Key measures include establishing the IndiaAI Safety Institute, mandating watermarking on AI-generated content, and enforcing the Digital Personal Data Protection Act. Modi advocated for a global compact on AI, stressing principles like human oversight and prohibitions on malicious use such as deepfakes and terrorist activities. India's framework uniquely focuses on local risks, including threats to women, children, and national security.

Key Points: PM Modi on AI Ethics: IndiaAI Safety Institute & Global Compact

  • Launch of IndiaAI Safety Institute
  • Mandatory watermarking for AI content
  • Advocacy for a global AI compact
  • Focus on protecting vulnerable groups from deepfakes
3 min read

"IndiaAI Safety Institute is dedicated mechanism for ethical, safe, and responsible deployment of AI systems": PM Modi

PM Modi outlines India's AI safeguards: watermarking, data protection, and a global compact to combat deepfakes and ensure responsible innovation.

"Technology is a powerful tool, but it is only a force-multiplier for human intent. - Prime Minister Narendra Modi"

New Delhi, February 17

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted concerns about the misuse of AI, including deepfakes and threats to vulnerable groups, and said India is strengthening its regulatory frameworks.

The measures include watermarking AI-generated content, enhancing data protection, and establishing the IndiaAI Safety Institute to promote ethical and responsible AI deployment.

The PM also said India is advocating a balanced approach to Artificial Intelligence that promotes innovation while building strong safeguards to prevent misuse, stressing the need for global cooperation and responsible governance to ensure safe and inclusive "AI for All."

In an interview with ANI, PM Modi said, "Technology is a powerful tool, but it is only a force-multiplier for human intent. It is up to us to ensure that it becomes a force for good. While AI may enhance human capabilities, the ultimate responsibility for decision-making must always remain with human beings. Around the world, societies are debating how AI should be used and governed. India is helping shape this conversation by showing that strong safeguards can coexist with continued innovation."

"India's commitment also extends globally. Just as there are global norms in aviation and shipping to ensure safety and accountability across borders, similarly, the world must work towards common principles and standards in AI. Whether through its role in the 2023 GPAI declaration, the Paris AI discussions, or in the current summit, India has consistently advocated a balanced path of advancing innovation while building safeguards for safe and inclusive #AIForAll," he said.

The Prime Minister also called for a global compact on Artificial Intelligence, stressing that strong safeguards, human oversight and transparency must go hand in hand with innovation to ensure AI is used responsibly and not misused for deepfakes, crime or terrorist activities.

"For this, we need a global compact on AI, built upon certain fundamental principles. These should include effective human oversight, safety-by-design, transparency and strict prohibitions on the use of AI for deepfakes, crime and terrorist activities. India is moving toward a more structured governance approach in AI regulation. With the launch of the IndiaAI Safety Institute in January 2025, the country created a dedicated mechanism to promote the ethical, safe, and responsible deployment of AI systems," PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister said that as Artificial Intelligence becomes more advanced, the responsibility to ensure its safe use must grow stronger.

"As AI becomes more advanced, our sense of responsibility must grow stronger. What makes India's approach distinctive is its focus on local risks and societal realities. The emerging risk assessment framework considers national security concerns as well as harms to vulnerable groups, including deepfakes targeting women, child safety risks, and threats affecting the elderly," he said.

"The urgency of these safeguards is becoming evident to everyone due to the surge in deepfake videos. In response, India notified rules requiring watermarking of AI-generated content and the removal of harmful synthetic media. Alongside content safeguards, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act strengthens data protection and user rights in the digital ecosystem," the Prime Minister said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
As someone working in tech, I appreciate the balanced approach. You can't stifle innovation with over-regulation, but you can't have a digital wild west either. The focus on "human oversight" and "safety-by-design" are the right principles to build upon.
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Priya S
Finally some action on deepfakes! My aunt was targeted by a scam using a manipulated video. It's terrifying. Strong safeguards and clear rules for removal are needed. Hope the IndiaAI Safety Institute acts swiftly and isn't just another government body.
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Rohit P
Good vision, but execution is key. We have great policies on paper but ground-level implementation is often weak. How will watermarking be enforced globally? And will the Data Protection Act be implemented properly? The intent is right, but I'll believe it when I see results.
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Karthik V
The comparison to global norms in aviation is spot on. AI doesn't respect borders. A global compact is essential, and India advocating for it from a position of being a major IT hub gives us a strong voice. #AIForAll should mean safety for all, especially the vulnerable.
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Meera T
Protecting children and the elderly is crucial. Technology moves fast and they are often left behind and exploited. Hope the framework includes digital literacy programs alongside regulation. We need to empower people to identify deepfakes and scams.

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