PM Modi Advocates for Global Digital Framework for Ethical Tech Use

Context: PM Modi inaugurated the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) 2024 and the 8th edition of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

International Telecommunication Union (ITU):

• The ITU is a specialized agency of the United Nations focused on Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), originally founded in 1865 to enhance international connectivity in communication networks.
• Functions: The ITU allocates global radio spectrum, manages satellite orbits, sets global technical standards to ensure seamless interconnectivity of networks and technologies, and works to improve ICT access in underserved communities worldwide.
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.

India Mobile Congress (IMC):

• IMC is one of Asia’s largest telecom, media, and technology forums, held annually. It provides a platform for industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to discuss the future of digital communications both in India and globally.
• Key Focus Areas: 5G technology, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure.
• Objectives: IMC showcases technological advancements, fosters collaboration between global and Indian telecom players, facilitates policy discussions on telecom regulations, and supports the Digital India vision, laying the foundation for future technologies like 6G, AI, and cloud computing.

News Summary: PM Modi inaugurated both the WTSA 2024 and the 8th edition of IMC, with the aim of setting global telecommunication standards and exploring the future of telecommunications as a global public good. In his speech, PM Modi highlighted India’s significant progress in the telecom sector and called for the creation of a global digital framework to ensure the ethical use of technology.

Key Highlights of PM Modi’s Speech:

India’s Telecom Achievements:

• PM Modi spoke about India’s rapid adoption of 5G technology, making it the second-largest 5G market globally, and noted that the country is already advancing towards 6G.
• He emphasized how the telecom revolution has bridged the urban-rural divide, created millions of opportunities, and boosted digital inclusion, with India now home to 120 crore mobile users, 95 crore internet users, and contributing to 40% of the world’s digital transactions.

Digital Public Infrastructure:

• The Prime Minister underscored the success of the Digital India initiative, built on the four pillars of affordable devices, extensive connectivity, accessible data, and a ‘Digital First’ approach.
• Platforms like UPI, JAM Trinity, and ONDC were credited for driving India’s digital transformation and creating millions of opportunities across the country.

Women in Technology:

• PM Modi emphasized the crucial role of women in the country’s technological progress, mentioning initiatives like Drone Didi and the Bank Sakhi program, which empower women in rural areas through technology.
• He also noted that 40% of STEM students in India are women, with many leading startups in the tech sector, showing India’s commitment to women-led development.

Global Governance of Technology:

• The Prime Minister called for global collaboration to establish ethical standards for emerging technologies such as AI, data privacy, and cybersecurity. He urged global institutions to create a framework similar to the aviation industry for governing digital technologies.
• This global digital governance would ensure a secure, inclusive, and human-centric digital ecosystem that benefits all nations and communities.

Responsible Innovation:

• PM Modi stressed the importance of responsible and human-centric innovation in the digital revolution, ensuring that no country or community is left behind.
• He called for technology to be developed and used in a way that benefits humanity as a whole, while avoiding the risks associated with unregulated or unethical use.

PM Modi’s speech reflected India’s leadership in the global digital space and emphasized the need for a coordinated global approach to manage the ethical use of emerging technologies.