High Commission of Canada hosts panel on ethical challenges of AI & Deepfake technologies

New Delhi, January 10 (Indian Abroad Newsdesk)

On January 9, 2025, the High Commission of Canada, in collaboration with Social & Media Matters (S&MM), organized a panel discussion at Canada House to explore the ethical challenges posed by AI and deepfake technologies. The event, supported by the High Commission of Canada in India, was curated by Jasvinder Kaur and featured a distinguished panel comprising Adrija Bose (BOOM), Ami Kumar (Contrails AI), and Puneet Agarwal (Animesh Sinha and Partners). Jennifer Daubeny, Charge d’Affaires, opened the discussion with an empowering keynote, and Arnika Singh of S&MM moderated the session.

The panel highlighted the critical need for culturally contextual and hyperlocalized policies to govern AI technologies in India. Panelists emphasized the importance of creating frameworks that consider local dynamics and societal needs, ensuring that governance models are inclusive and effective.

Another key takeaway was the urgency to empower stakeholders, including policymakers, educators, and citizens, with the knowledge and tools to navigate AI responsibly. By fostering awareness and providing resources, the panel suggested that these groups could better address the challenges posed by AI innovations.

Proactive policymaking and judicial adaptability were also discussed as essential for tackling the rapidly evolving ethical and legal challenges of AI technologies. The panel underscored the importance of staying ahead of technological developments to ensure ethical practices and safeguard against misuse.

The dual nature of AI, with its immense potential for innovation and its risks, such as deepfake exploitation and misinformation, was a focal point of the discussion. Panelists stressed the need for balanced approaches to maximize AI’s benefits while mitigating its negative impacts.

Digital literacy emerged as a critical factor in enabling individuals to engage critically with AI-driven content.

The panelists advocated for widespread awareness campaigns to help people protect themselves from misinformation and manipulation in the digital landscape.

Lastly, the importance of multistakeholder collaborations was emphasized to create inclusive governance models. The discussion called for amplifying the voices of underrepresented groups, ensuring that AI policies reflect diverse perspectives and priorities.

Participants from India, Nepal, and Bhutan contributed to the dialogue, enriching the discussion with their insights and experiences. The High Commission of Canada in India reaffirmed its commitment to supporting such initiatives, highlighting the importance of ethical and inclusive AI practices in today’s rapidly changing technological environment.