AI advisory not applicable to startups
Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar said that the government advisory which directed AI platforms to seek permission before launching an AI product does not apply to startups. On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the minister said, “Recent advisory of @GoI_MeitY needs to be understood. Advisory is aimed at the Significant platforms and permission seeking from Meity is only for large platforms and will not apply to startups.”
“Process of seeking permission , labelling & consent based disclosure to user abt untested platforms is insurance policy to platforms who can otherwise be sued by consumers. Safety & Trust of Indias Internet is a shared and common goal for Govt, users and Platforms (sic),” he continued.
This comes after government issued an advisory following Google’s Gemini controversy to platforms that push AI-generated content stating that it should be labelled or embedded with an identifier to determine the creator of any misinformation. Platforms will also need to submit an action taken-cum-status report to the ministry within 15 days, it added.
Responding to the advisory, Perplexity AI’s CEO Aravind Srinivas said that it is a “bad move” while Abacus AI’s CEO Bindu Reddy said, “If you know the Indian government, you know this will a huge drag! All forms will need to completed in triplicate and there will be a dozen hoops to jump through! This is how monopolies thrive, countries decay and consumers suffer!”
Kissan AI’s Pratik Desai reflected, “I was such a fool thinking I will work bringing GenAI to Indian Agriculture from SF. We were training multimodal low cost pest and disease model, and so excited about it. This is terrible and demotivating after working 4yrs full time brining AI to this domain in India.”
Background:
The controversy began when the minister was quoted as saying that AI advisory measures might not be suitable for startups due to their unique challenges and resource constraints. This statement raised eyebrows within the tech community, with some interpreting it as a potential oversight in providing crucial support and regulatory frameworks for startups venturing into the AI space. Critics argued that neglecting startups in the AI advisory process could hinder innovation and lead to ethical and legal issues down the road.
Minister’s Clarification:
Facing backlash and concerns from various quarters, the minister clarified the intent behind the initial statement. According to the clarification, the government recognizes the significance of startups in driving innovation, especially in the AI sector. The minister emphasized that the comments were meant to highlight the need for a tailored approach to AI advisory that takes into account the specific challenges faced by startups. The aim, as stated by the minister, is to avoid imposing overly burdensome regulations that could stifle the growth and creativity of startups while ensuring responsible and ethical AI development.
Support for Startup Ecosystem:
Despite the initial confusion, the minister’s clarification underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a thriving startup ecosystem. It highlights the recognition that startups often operate in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, facing financial constraints and uncertainties. The government aims to strike a balance between providing necessary guidance and avoiding regulatory burdens that might impede the agility and innovation inherent in startup culture.
Tailored AI Advisory for Startups:
The crux of the matter lies in the necessity for a customized AI advisory framework that caters to the specific needs of startups. Unlike larger corporations with more extensive resources, startups often operate with limited budgets and manpower. Any advisory or regulatory framework must acknowledge these limitations and offer practical, scalable solutions that encourage compliance without stifling innovation.
Potential Benefits of Tailored AI Advisory for Startups:
Flexible Guidelines: Tailored AI advisory for startups can provide flexible guidelines that adapt to the unique challenges faced by these emerging companies. This approach ensures that compliance is achievable without imposing rigid standards that might hinder growth.
Resource Allocation: Recognizing resource constraints, the government can develop advisory measures that prioritize essential AI ethics and safety standards. This enables startups to allocate their resources efficiently while still adhering to responsible AI development practices.
Educational Initiatives: The government can invest in educational initiatives aimed at startups, providing guidance on ethical AI development, compliance, and best practices. This proactive approach empowers startups with the knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of AI regulations.
Conclusion:
In the wake of the controversy surrounding AI advisory and its applicability to startups, the minister’s clarification sheds light on the government’s commitment to supporting the startup ecosystem. While acknowledging the unique challenges faced by startups in the AI space, the emphasis is on developing a tailored advisory framework that strikes a balance between fostering innovation and ensuring responsible AI development.
The ongoing dialogue between the government and the tech community will play a crucial role in shaping effective, inclusive AI advisory measures that benefit both startups and the broader AI ecosystem.
