DataKind Bengaluru at C20 Summit
Introduction:
Recently, I had the privilege of attending the C20 Technology and Security for One World summit, held in conjunction with the G20 meetings. India holds the Presidency of the G20 from December 1, 2022 to November 30, 2023. The C20, or Civil 20, serves as a platform for civil society organizations to engage in policy discussions and present recommendations to the G20 leaders. At the summit, I represented Datakind Bengaluru and got an opportunity to participate in discussions around civil society’s use of data & AI regulations. The panel discussions, policy discussions, keynote sessions & Udaaharan sessions were engaging & enlightening. I emphasized the need to include civil society organizations in India’s National Data Governance Framework and highlighted the importance of considering data quality and harmonizing India’s Personal Data Protection Bill with the National Data Governance Framework. One aspect that was truly heartening to witness during the summit was how civil society organizations were utilizing technology, data, and Generative AI to enable their missions while still engaging in discussions around AI ethics without stifling innovation. In this blog post, we will explore this heartening development and its implications for AI regulations.
Our Policy recommendations were as follows:
Data Governance Framework and Data Quality: Before addressing AI regulations, it is imperative to establish & implement a robust data governance framework. The National Data Governance framework set up by the Indian government focuses on promoting responsible data practices, ensuring data security, and fostering data sharing partnerships. However, it is equally important to consider data quality & the processes of issue remediation within this framework. High-quality data is the bedrock of reliable AI systems, as biased or flawed data can perpetuate unfair or discriminatory outcomes. By prioritizing data quality & including prescriptions within the framework on data quality remediation processes, we can lay the groundwork for effective AI regulations; AI regulations that are built on a solid foundation of accurate, unbiased, and representative data.
Inclusion of Civil Society Organizations in consultations by the India Data Management office as part of the National Data Governance Framework: The National Data Governance Framework in India provides a solid step toward maximizing the efficacy of data-driven governance. The institutional framework advocates for setting up of IDMO (India Data Management Office). IDMO is also responsible for conducting at least bi-annual consultations with ministries, state governments & industry. The involvement of diverse stakeholders in this consultation such as civil society is crucial. These organizations play a vital role in representing the interests and concerns of the general public. By including them, we ensure a more inclusive and balanced approach to AI regulations that account for the social, ethical, and human rights dimensions.
Harmonizing Data Privacy Laws with the Data Governance Framework: As India shapes AI regulations, we must ensure that the Personal Data Protection bill is harmonized with the overarching National data governance framework. Important details such as how IDMO (India Data Management Office under the NDGF) and the Data Protection Authority (DPA under Personal data protection bill) interact with each other are required to be addressed by the GoI. Privacy laws play a critical role in protecting individuals’ rights and ensuring responsible data handling practices. By aligning data privacy laws with the data governance framework, we create a comprehensive and cohesive approach to data protection. This harmony ensures that the regulations and policies developed around AI respect privacy rights and maintain the trust of individuals in the digital ecosystem.
Our takeaways from the summit are as follows:
Empowering Civil Society through Technology and Data: During the C20 summit, it was inspiring to witness civil society organizations leveraging technology and data to advance their missions. These organizations, especially in ‘Udaaharan’ sessions, are using innovative tools and platforms to collect, analyze, and interpret data, enabling evidence-based decision-making and impactful interventions. By harnessing technology and data, civil society organizations are amplifying their voices and advocating for positive change on a global scale.
Fostering Collaboration and Inclusive Dialogue: The use of technology, data, and Generative AI by civil society organizations is fostering collaboration and inclusive dialogue. By leveraging these tools, organizations can harness the power of collective intelligence, engage diverse perspectives, and facilitate participatory decision-making processes. This collaborative approach ensures that discussions around AI regulations are comprehensive, transparent, and representative of the wider society’s needs and aspirations.
Balancing Innovation and Ethical Considerations: The heartening aspect of witnessing civil society organizations using technology, data, and Generative AI is that they are actively considering AI ethics without stifling innovation. They understand the potential of AI technologies to drive positive change but also recognize the importance of addressing ethical concerns and potential risks. By striking a balance between innovation and ethics, civil society organizations are advocating for AI regulations that foster responsible and inclusive technology development.
Conclusion:
The C20 Technology and Security for One World summit provided a remarkable platform to witness civil society organizations utilizing technology, data, and Generative AI to enable their missions. It was heartening to see them engaging in discussions around AI ethics without stifling innovation, striking a delicate balance between progress and responsible practices. As we move forward with AI regulations, it is imperative that we draw inspiration from these organizations and foster an ecosystem that encourages innovation while upholding ethical considerations. The spirit of the summit truly resonated with the ethos of DataKind. We would love to engage further & contribute towards C20 & other related forums.
Disclaimer: Views expressed in the content above belong to the content creator and not DataKind. The writer is a core volunteer at DataKind Bengaluru since 2019.
