**Global South Must Ensure AI Sovereignty, Says Expert**
In a significant address at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Indian cyber and artificial intelligence (AI) law expert Pavan Duggal emphasized the urgent need for nations in the Global South to take an active role in shaping the norms and regulations surrounding artificial intelligence. He argued that these countries should not remain passive consumers of AI technologies but instead become key authors of the governance frameworks that dictate their use, in order to safeguard their sovereignty and security.
Duggal's remarks come at a time when emerging economies are reassessing their strategies to protect their interests in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. He noted that nations such as China, India, and Russia are poised to play pivotal roles in this norm-making process, representing the collective vision of the Global South. "We can no longer be mere spectators; we must be actual authors of the norms for AI before they get crystallized," he stated.
The concept of sovereignty, according to Duggal, has expanded beyond traditional territorial boundaries to include cyberspace and emerging technologies like AI. He stressed the importance of creating stringent laws for AI service providers operating within national borders, regardless of their country of origin. This approach aims to ensure that data generated within these nations remains protected from foreign exploitation, which could undermine their sovereignty and security.
Duggal expressed concern over what he termed "cognitive colonialism," a phenomenon where individuals in developing countries may unwittingly become dependent on large technology firms for their daily tasks, thus compromising their autonomy. He warned that this dependency could lead to a situation where these nations are governed by norms established by external entities, rather than their own legal frameworks.
As the Global South grapples with the implications of AI, Duggal highlighted the inadequacy of existing legal structures to address the complexities introduced by these technologies. Current regulations focus primarily on the risks associated with AI but often fail to establish accountability for its use. "We need to ensure that AI is ultimately accountable," he stated, pointing out that many existing laws were designed with human-to-human interactions in mind, rather than the unique challenges posed by AI systems.
Duggal's insights resonate with broader discussions taking place among the BRICS nations, which include Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. In July, national security advisers from these countries convened to address a wide range of security challenges, including cybersecurity and the potential misuse of emerging technologies by extremist groups. The upcoming BRICS summit in India is expected to prioritize security cooperation, further underscoring the importance of a unified approach to AI governance.
The call for the Global South to assert its influence in AI governance reflects a growing recognition of the need for equitable representation in global technological discussions. As AI continues to reshape industries and societies worldwide, the stakes for developing nations are high. Ensuring that these countries have a voice in establishing the norms that govern AI will be crucial for maintaining their sovereignty and protecting their citizens from potential abuses.
In conclusion, Duggal's advocacy for AI sovereignty highlights the imperative for nations in the Global South to actively engage in shaping the future of artificial intelligence. By taking ownership of the regulatory landscape, these countries can better safeguard their interests and ensure that AI serves as a tool for empowerment rather than a mechanism of control.