Govt open to AI regulation law, says Ashwini Vaishnaw; highlights need for consensus

New Delhi: The government on Wednesday said it is "open to the idea" of bringing in a new law to regulate artificial intelligence but a "lot of consensus" is required for it.

Responding to a question in the Lok Sabha, IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also said that the Modi government believes in "democratising technology" which was not the case during the Congress rule, remarks that triggered protests by opposition benches.

Responding to a supplementary on whether the government plans to bring a law on regulating artificial intelligence, Vaishnaw also said that fake narratives is a major challenge faced by societies across the world today.

He said accountability has to be established in society and the legal framework has to change for which "lots of consensus" is required because, on the one hand, there is freedom of speech and the creation of a real, proper news network on the other.

"There are things that need to be debated and if the House agrees and if there is a consensus in society, we can come up with a new law. We are open to the idea," he said.

The minister said the government is helping set up AI data labs in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

He also informed the House that 8.6 lakh candidates have enrolled in the future skill platform.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present during the Question Hour.