AI Governance and the Global South Leadership

Why in News?

Recently, The first UN Global Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance was held in Geneva to develop a global framework for responsible AI use. The dialogue aimed to ensure that AI governance reflects the interests of all nations, especially developing countries, rather than being shaped only by technologically advanced economies.

What is Global AI Governance?

AI governance refers to the system of laws, institutions, ethical principles, and international cooperation mechanisms that regulate the development and use of Artificial Intelligence.

The Global Dialogue on AI Governance, established under a UN General Assembly mandate, provides a platform where:

• • • All countries have an equal voice.
    • Governments, civil society, industry, and experts participate.
    • Common principles for responsible AI development are discussed.

The dialogue focuses on:

• • • Bridging the AI divide.
    • Ensuring human oversight.
    • Promoting safety and security.
    • Aligning AI development with international law and human rights.

Need for Global South-Led AI Governance:

Preventing Data and Resource Exploitation

AI models require huge amounts of data for training. Developing countries need safeguards against:

• • • Unauthorised use of local data.
    • Exploitation of indigenous knowledge.
    • Lack of benefit-sharing from AI-driven profits.

Addressing Social and Economic Harms:

AI can increase risks related to:

• • • Deepfakes and misinformation.
    • Algorithmic discrimination.
    • Hate speech and online manipulation.

Effective regulations are required to protect citizens from these immediate harms.

Ensuring Fair Economic Benefits:

AI-generated economic value should contribute to local economies through:

• • • Employment creation.
    • Domestic innovation.
    • Technology transfer.

Otherwise, profits may remain concentrated among multinational technology companies.

Protecting Digital Sovereignty

Dependence on foreign AI platforms, cloud services, and semiconductor supply chains can create strategic vulnerabilities. Developing countries need greater control over critical digital infrastructure.

India’s Position in the AI Ecosystem:

• • • Global Technology Partnerships: India has joined initiatives like Pax Silica, supporting semiconductor cooperation and innovation-friendly technology standards. However, India's semiconductor industry remains largely focused on assembly and testing, with dependence on imported technology.
    • Low R&D Investment: India’s research and development spending remains below major economies, limiting indigenous AI research, advanced computing capabilities, and global competitiveness.

Indigenous AI Development:

India has promoted inclusive AI through initiatives such as:

• • India AI Impact Summit for ethical and development-oriented AI governance.
  • Sarvam AI models, which focus on Indian languages and digital inclusion.

Challenges in AI Governance:

• • • Strategic Balancing: India must balance cooperation with advanced economies while continuing to represent Global South interests.
    • Technology Dependence: Limited domestic computing infrastructure and dependence on foreign chip and cloud providers create vulnerabilities.
    • Lack of Global Consensus: Differences among major powers regarding AI regulation slow the development of universal rules.
    • Environmental Concerns: AI infrastructure requires large amounts of land, water, and electricity, creating environmental and social challenges.

Way Forward:

• • • India should lead Global South countries in shaping inclusive AI governance.
    • Developing nations should collaborate on shared computing infrastructure and open-source AI platforms.
    • Strong data protection rules should ensure consent-based data usage and fair compensation.
    • India should increase R&D spending and strengthen domestic semiconductor and AI capabilities.

Conclusion:

AI governance will determine the future distribution of technological power. India, as a major developing economy, has an opportunity to shape a balanced global framework that promotes innovation while protecting equity, privacy, and digital sovereignty. A Global South-led approach can ensure that AI becomes a tool for inclusive development rather than a source of inequality.