- Scindia calls for global collaboration in setting standards and fostering partnerships is a crucial step toward shaping a technological landscape that serves as a force for good.
- Swift rollout signifies not only technological advancement but also the unlocking of new opportunities across various sectors, including healthcare, education, agriculture, and manufacturing.
NEW DELHI: The advent of 5G technology marks a significant milestone in India’s technological landscape, with Union Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia projecting a remarkable contribution of $450 billion to the nation’s economy by 2040.
Speaking at the Global Standards Symposium in New Delhi, Scindia articulated the multifaceted benefits of 5G, emphasising that its implications extend well beyond enhanced internet speeds and reduced latency.
5G is poised to serve as the bedrock for transformative initiatives such as smart cities, advanced infrastructure, and autonomous innovations.
Scindia’s remarks underscore the rapid deployment of 5G across the country, which has reached 98 per cent of districts and 80 per cent of the population within a mere 22 months. This swift rollout signifies not only technological advancement but also the unlocking of new opportunities across various sectors, including healthcare, education, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Setting standards is vital
Moreover, Scindia highlighted the critical importance of international collaboration in maximising the potential of emerging technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT). He emphasised that establishing international standards is vital for ensuring the seamless integration of these technologies across borders.
The need for dialogue and cooperation among nations cannot be overstated, as these technologies have the potential to transform industries and societies globally.
In addressing the ethical considerations associated with emerging technologies, Scindia called for robust governance frameworks to mitigate concerns related to privacy, bias, and transparency. He advocated for a comprehensive policy approach that ensures equitable access to innovations, particularly as the world transitions toward the upcoming 6G technology.
This approach is essential to prevent the exacerbation of existing digital divides and to promote inclusivity.
Minister Scindia emphasised that the governance of AI and the Internet of Things (IoT) must not be relegated to an “afterthought.”
- Harnessing AI
He underscored the importance of prioritizing privacy, bias, and transparency, arguing that addressing these issues is imperative to harnessing AI as a “force for good.” These assertions align with growing global discourse on the ethical implications of AI technology, highlighting the necessity for safeguards that protect individuals and communities from the inherent risks posed by automated systems.
The Minister’s remarks bring to light the dual nature of AI; while it indeed reshapes the way information is processed and enhances agility, precision, and scalability, the deployment of such transformative technologies must be approached with caution.
Furthermore, International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin underscored the critical role of standards in this discourse. She posited that standards are not merely technical specifications; rather, they are fundamental to driving innovation and interoperability, thereby ensuring that AI technologies are deployed safely and effectively.
