#Fact Check – Analysis of Viral Claims Regarding India's UNSC Permanent Membership

Introduction

The integration of Artificial Intelligence into our daily workflows has compelled global policymakers to develop legislative frameworks to govern its impact efficiently. The question that we arrive at here is: While AI is undoubtedly transforming global economies, who governs the transformation? The EU AI Act was the first of its kind legislation to govern Artificial Intelligence, making the EU a pioneer in the emerging technology regulation space. This blog analyses the EU's Draft AI Rules and Code of Practice, exploring their implications for ethics, innovation, and governance.

Background: The Need for AI Regulation

AI adoption has been happening at a rapid pace and is projected to contribute  $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030. The AI market size is expected to grow by at least 120% year-over-year. Both of these statistics have been stated in arguments citing concrete examples of AI risks (e.g., bias in recruitment tools, misinformation spread through deepfakes). Unlike the U.S., which relies on sector-specific regulations, the EU proposes a unified framework to address AI's challenges comprehensively, especially with the vacuum that exists in the governance of emerging technologies such as AI. It should be noted that the GDPR or the General Data Protection Regulation has been a success with its global influence on data privacy laws and has started a domino effect for the creation of privacy regulations all over the world. This precedent emphasises the EU's proactive approach towards regulations which are population-centric. 

Overview of the Draft EU AI Rules

This Draft General Purpose AI Code of Practice details the AI rules for the AI Act rules and the providers of general-purpose AI models with systemic risks. The European AI Office facilitated the drawing up of the code, and was chaired by independent experts and involved nearly 1000 stakeholders and EU member state representatives and observers both European and international observers.

14th November 2024 marks the publishing of the first draft of the EU’s General-Purpose AI Code of Practice, established by the EU AI Act. As per Article 56 of the EU AI Act, the code outlines the rules that operationalise the requirements, set out for General-Purpose AI (GPAI) model under Article 53 and GPAI models with systemic risks under Article 55. The AI Act is legislation that finds its base in product safety and relies on setting harmonised standards in order to support compliance. These harmonised standards are essentially sets of operational rules that have been established by the European Standardisation bodies, such as the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN), the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardisation (CENELEC) and the European Telecommunications Standards Institute. Industry experts, civil society and trade unions are translating the requirements set out by the EU sectoral legislation into the specific mandates set by the European Commission. The AI Act obligates the developers, deployers and users of AI on mandates for transparency, risk management and compliance mechanisms 

The Code of Practice for General Purpose AI

The most popular applications of GPAI include ChatGPT and other foundational models such as CoPilot from Microsoft, BERT  from Google, Llama from Meta AI and many others and they are under constant development and upgradation.  The 36-pages long draft Code of Practice for General Purpose AI is meant to serve as a roadmap for tech companies to comply with the AI Act and avoid paying penalties. It focuses on transparency, copyright compliance, risk assessment, and technical/governance risk mitigation as the core areas for the companies that are developing GPAIs. It also lays down guidelines that look to enable greater transparency on what goes into developing GPAIs. 

The Draft Code's provisions for risk assessment focus on preventing cyber attacks, large-scale discrimination, nuclear and misinformation risks, and the risk of the models acting autonomously without oversight. 

Policy Implications

The EU’s Draft AI Rules and Code of Practice represent a bold step in shaping the governance of general-purpose AI, positioning the EU as a global pioneer in responsible AI regulation. By prioritising harmonised standards, ethical safeguards, and risk mitigation, these rules aim to ensure AI benefits society while addressing its inherent risks. While the code is a welcome step, the compliance burdens on MSMEs and startups could hinder innovation, whereas, the voluntary nature of the Code raises concerns about accountability. Additionally, harmonising these ambitious standards with varying global frameworks, especially in regions like the U.S. and India, presents a significant challenge to achieving a cohesive global approach.

Conclusion

The EU’s initiative to regulate general-purpose AI aligns with its legacy of proactive governance, setting the stage for a transformative approach to balancing innovation with ethical accountability. However, challenges remain. Striking the right balance is crucial to avoid stifling innovation while ensuring robust enforcement and inclusivity for smaller players. Global collaboration is the next frontier. As the EU leads, the world must respond by building bridges between regional regulations and fostering a unified vision for AI governance. This demands active stakeholder engagement, adaptive frameworks, and a shared commitment to addressing emerging challenges in AI. The EU’s Draft AI Rules are not just about regulation, they are about leading a global conversation. 

References

• https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/artificial-intelligence/new-eu-ai-code-of-practice-draft-rules-9671152/ 
• https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/ai-code-practice 
• https://www.csis.org/analysis/eu-code-practice-general-purpose-ai-key-takeaways-first-draft#:~:text=Drafting%20of%20the%20Code%20of%20Practice%20is%20taking%20place%20under,the%20drafting%20of%20the%20code. 
• https://copyrightblog.kluweriplaw.com/2024/12/16/first-draft-of-the-general-purpose-ai-code-of-practice-has-been-released/

Introduction

In todays time, we can access any information in seconds and from the comfort of our homes or offices. The internet and its applications have been substantial in creating an ease of access to information, but the biggest question which still remains unanswered is Which information is legit and which one is fake? As netizens, we must be critical of what information we access and how.

Influence of Bad actors

The bad actors are one of the biggest threats to our cyberspace as they make the online world full of fear and activities which directly impact the users financial or emotional status by exploitaing their vulnerabilities and attacking them using social engineering. One such issue is website spoofing. In website spoofing, the bad actors try and create a website similar to the original website of any reputed brand. The similarity is so uncanny that the first time or occasional website users find it very difficult to find the difference between the two websites. This is basically an attempt to access sensitive information, such as personal and financial information, and in some cases, to spread malware into the users system to facilitate other forms of cybercrimes. Such websites will have very lucrative offers or deals, making it easier for people to fall prey to such phoney websites In turn, the bad actors can gain sensitive information right from the users without even calling or messaging them.

The Incident

A Noida based senior citizen couple was aggreved by using their dishwasher, and to get it fixed, they looked for the customer care number on their web browser. The couple came across a customer care number- 1800258821 for IFB, a electronics company. As they dialed the number and got in touch with the fake customer care representative, who, upon hearing the couple’s issue, directed them to a supposedly senior official of the company. The senior official spoke to the lady, despite of the call dropping few times, he was admant on staying in touch with the lady, once he had established the trust factor, he asked the lady to download an app which he potrayed to be an app to register complaints and carry out quick actions. The fake senior offical asked the lady to share her location and also asked her to grant few access permissions to the application along with a four digit OTP which looked harmless. He further asked the kady to make a transaction of Rs 10 as part of the complaint processing fee. Till this moment, the couple was under the impression that their complaimt had been registred and the issue with their dishwasher would be rectified soon.

The couple later at night recieved a message from their bank, informing them that Rs 2.25 lakh had been debited from their joint bank account, the following morning, they saw yet another text message informing them of a debit of Rs 5.99 lakh again from their account. The couple immediatly understood that they had become victims to cyber fraud. The couple immediatly launched a complaint on the cyber fraud helpline 1930 and their respective bank. A FIR has been registerd in the Noida Cyber Cell.

How can senior citizens prevent such frauds?

Senior citizens can be particularly vulnerable to cyber frauds due to their lack of familiarity with technology and potential cognitive decline. Here are some safeguards that can help protect them from cyber frauds:

• Educate seniors on common cyber frauds: It’s important to educate seniors about the most common types of cyber frauds, such as phishing, smishing, vishing, and scams targeting seniors.
• Use strong passwords: Encourage seniors to use strong and unique passwords for their online accounts and to change them regularly.
• Beware of suspicious emails and messages: Teach seniors to be wary of suspicious emails and messages that ask for personal or financial information, even if they appear to be from legitimate sources.
• Verify before clicking: Encourage seniors to verify the legitimacy of links before clicking on them, especially in emails or messages.
• Keep software updated: Ensure seniors keep their software, including antivirus and operating system, up to date.
• Avoid public Wi-Fi: Discourage seniors from using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions, such as online banking or shopping.
• Check financial statements: Encourage seniors to regularly check their bank and credit card statements for any suspicious transactions.
• Secure devices: Help seniors secure their devices with antivirus and anti-malware software and ensure that their devices are password protected.
• Use trusted sources: Encourage seniors to use trusted sources when making online purchases or providing personal information online.
• Seek help: Advise seniors to seek help if they suspect they have fallen victim to a cyber fraud. They should contact their bank, credit card company or report the fraud to relevant authorities. Calling 1930 should be the first and primary step.

Conclusion

The cyberspace is new space for people of all generations, the older population is a little more vulnerble in this space as they have not used gadgets or internet for most f theur lives, and now they are dependent upon the devices and application for their convinience, but they still do not understand the technology and its dark side. As netizens, we are responsible for safeguarding the youth and the older population to create a wholesome, safe, secured and sustainable cyberecosystem. Its time to put the youth’s understanding of tech and the life experience of the older poplaution in synergy to create SoPs and best practices for erradicating such cyber frauds from our cyberspace. CyberPeace Foundation has created a CyberPeace Helpline number for victims where they will be given timely assitance for resolving their issues; the victims can reach out the helpline on +91 95700 00066 and thay can also mail their issues on helpline@cyberpeace.net.

Introduction

Language is an important part of human communication and a basic aspect of human understanding. The world is a global market and this diversity of languages has led to difficulties in engaging for effective communication and collaboration.  India alone has 22 official languages and countless regional languages and dialects which change every few hundred kilometres. 

AI has emerged to overcome this challenge of language barriers and has stepped into bringing about a transformative shift. It is leading the charge in breaking down traditional barriers and paving the way for more inclusive and seamless global interactions. AI’s integration into language translation has revolutionised the field, addressing longstanding challenges associated with traditional human-centric approaches. The limitations posed by reliance on human translators, such as time constraints, resource limitations, and the inability to handle the data efficiently, paved the way for the furtherance of the transformative impact of AI. However, challenges such as maintaining translation accuracy, addressing cultural nuances, and ensuring data privacy require careful attention to realize AI's full potential.

AI Technologies Bridging Language Gaps

AI tools have transformed translation, transcription, and natural language processing, providing language solutions. They can instantly translate text, transcribe audio, and analyse linguistic nuances, enabling effective cross-cultural communication. Moreover, AI's adaptive capabilities have facilitated language learning, allowing individuals to grasp new languages and adapt their communication styles to diverse cultural contexts.  

AI technologies are making information and services more accessible to non-native speakers and are impacting global business, allowing effective engagement. Building on this transformative potential, various AI tools are now used to bridge language gaps in real-world applications. Some examples of AI’s role in bridging the language gap are:

• Real-time translation tools that enable instant communication by providing translations between languages on the fly. This would help in effortless conversations with clients and partners worldwide. 
• Tools such as ‘speech-to-text’ and ‘text-to-speech’ like Murf AI, Lovo AI, and ElevenLabs work towards converting spoken language into written text and vice versa. These technologies have led to streamlined interactions, boosted productivity, and clarity in global business dealings. Businesses can extract important information, insights, and action points from meetings, interviews, and presentations. 
• AI chatbots like MyGov Corona Helpdesk, WhatsApp Chatbot by the Government of India, Railway Food Order & Delivery by Zoop India, and Gen AI-Powered 'Elena' by Indian School of Business (ISB) are some examples that act as intelligent virtual assistants that engage in real-time conversations, by answering queries, providing information, and facilitating transactions. They offer round-the-clock support, freeing human resources and enhancing customer experience across language barriers.

Challenges and Limitations of AI Translation

While AI’s integration in combatting language barriers is commendable, there are challenges and limitations in overcoming this endeavour. These challenges and limitations are:

• AI translation systems face several challenges in handling accuracy, context, nuance, and idiomatic expressions. 
• These systems may encounter struggles with complex or specialised language, along with those towards regional dialects, leading to potential misinterpretations. 
• Biases within the AI models can further affect the inclusivity of translations, often favouring dominant languages and cultural norms while marginalising others. 
• Ethical concerns, regarding privacy and data security, particularly when sensitive information is processed have also been arising. 
• Ensuring user consent and protecting data integrity are essential to addressing these concerns. As AI continues to evolve, ongoing efforts are needed to improve fairness, transparency, and the cultural sensitivity of translation systems.

AI’s Future  in Language Translation

AI technologies are moving towards improving translation accuracy and contextual understanding, allowing AI models to grasp cultural nuances and idiomatic expressions better. This can significantly enhance communication across diverse languages, fostering multilingual interactions and global collaboration in business, education, and diplomacy. Improvements in AI tech are taking place ubiquitous, and models like GPT and Google Translate are now better at capturing nuances, idioms, and cultural differences, reducing errors. AI tools like the Microsoft Translator help cross-continental teams work seamlessly by enhancing their productivity and inclusivity. 

AI is capable of offering real-time translation in healthcare, education, and public services. This would enable more inclusive environments and bridging communication gaps. For example in the healthcare system, AI-powered translation tools are helping the industry to provide better care by crossing linguistic barriers. Doctors can now communicate with patients who speak different languages, ensuring equitable care even with linguistic boundaries. 

Conclusion

We live in a world where diverse languages pose significant challenges to global communication, and AI has emerged as a powerful tool to bridge these gaps. AI is paving the way for more inclusive and seamless interactions by revolutionising language translation, transcription, and natural language processing. Its ability to break down barriers caused by linguistic diversity ensures effective communication in fields ranging from business to healthcare. Despite challenges like accuracy and cultural sensitivity, the potential for AI to continuously improve is undeniable. As AI technologies evolve, they stand as the key to overcoming language barriers and fostering a more connected and inclusive global community.

Notwithstanding AI's potential abilities to overcome language barriers through advances in natural language processing and translation, cybersecurity and data privacy must always come first. The same technologies that make it easier to communicate globally also put private information at risk. The likelihood of data breaches, personal information misuse, and compromised communication rises in the absence of strict cybersecurity safeguards. Thus, in order to guarantee safe and reliable international Interactions as AI develops, it is crucial to strike a balance between innovation and privacy protection.

References

• https://megasisnetwork.medium.com/ai-and-language-translation-breaking-down-language-barriers-47873cfdb13b
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38099504/ 
• https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/breaking-language-barriers-ai-era-leveraging-tools-business-a-rad
• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/373842132_Breaking_Down_Barriers_With_Artificial_Intelligence_AI_Cross-Cultural_Communication_in_Foreign_Language_Education

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