DNPA Conclave: IT Minister Addresses AI, Deepfakes, and India's Digital Advancement

During the DNPA Conclave & Awards 2024 in New Delhi, Union Minister of State for Electronics and Technology, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, underscored India's digital journey over the past decade. He emphasized the nation's pioneering efforts in combating deepfakes and fake news, issues of global significance. Chandrasekhar also stressed the imperative of governance in the era of artificial intelligence (AI).

Deepfakes, manipulated images and videos causing widespread concerns, were a focal point of Chandrasekhar's discussion. He addressed the rising challenges posed by deepfakes, exemplified by recent viral incidents, such as the Taylor Swift deepfake photos. Despite these challenges, Chandrasekhar expressed confidence in India's capabilities to tackle technological threats effectively. He said, "India addressed fake news and deepfakes before they gained global attention".

So, should citizens be afraid of this technology? The IT Minister suggested otherwise, stating that "AI will transform the way we live."

Contrary to instilling fear, Chandrasekhar suggested a proactive approach towards embracing technology. He indicated that the ongoing legal dispute between the New York Times and OpenAI regarding copyright issues would significantly influence the future of AI in content creation and will "define the use of AI in content creation".

Additionally, Chandrasekhar elaborated on India's digital transformation over the past decade, responding to inquiries during the Conclave. "Indian tech and innovation system is a rocket which is in orbit and it is now an unstoppable force in the world," the IT minister said. PM Narendra Modi "intends to protect, nurture and continue to catalyze" as our country becomes a partner in future technology.

The DNPA Conclave, organized by the Digital News Publishers Association, convenes India's leading news publishers from print and electronic media domains. It serves as a platform for discussions on industry trends and challenges, featuring prominent media entities like Hindustan Times, Dainik Jagran, The Indian Express, and others.