New Delhi, Oct 15 :
Taking note of rising cyber crimes and its impact on general public, India on Tuesday asked global institutions to come forward and recognize the significance of “global governance” and act collectively to combat the threats arising from misuse of technology.
Inaugurating the India Mobile Congress (IMC) and World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA), Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the importance of establishing a global framework for digital technology.
He emphasized that this topic was raised by India during its G-20 Presidency and urged global institutions to recognize its significance for global governance. “The time has come for global institutions to accept the importance of global governance”, Modi stated.
Stressing the need to create a “Do’s and Don’ts” for technology on the global level, the Prime Minister highlighted the borderless nature of digital tools and applications and urged for international collaboration in combating “cyber threats” and collective action by global institutions.
He drew parallels with the aviation sector which already has well-established frameworks. PM called upon the WTSA to take a proactive role in creating a secure digital ecosystem and safe channel for telecommunication.
“In an interconnected world, security cannot be an afterthought. India’s Data Protection Act and National Cyber Security Strategy reflect our commitment to building a safe digital environment”, Modi noted. The Prime Minister urged the members of the assembly to create standards that are inclusive, secure, and adaptable to future challenges, including ethical AI and data privacy standards that respect the diversity of nations.
Modi emphasized the need for a human-centric dimension to the ongoing technological revolution, calling for responsible and sustainable innovation. He said that the standards set today will determine the direction of the future, stressing that principles of security, dignity and equity should be at the center of our discussions.
He said our goal should be that no country, no region and no community is left behind in this digital transformation and underscored the need for innovation balanced with inclusion. The Prime Minister urged to ensure that the future is technically strong as well as ethically sound with innovation as well as inclusion.
This is the 8th edition of IMC and coincides with WTSA. The event will facilitate discussion on the standards set for new age technologies like 6G, AI, IoT, Big Data and cybersecurity among others.
Over 190 countries and 3000 industrialists and experts are participating in the 10-day long event being held here.
Modi also pointed out the pace at which technological developments have happened in India in the last decade. He stated that there are over 950 million internet users in India, and 40 percent of the real time digital transactions happening in the country.
Addressing the gathering Bharti Airtel Chief Sunil Mittal advocated for satellite connectivity in the country saying this will help reaching out to the unserved areas.
Reliance Jio Chairman Akash Ambani urged the government to expedite the update of 2020 draft Data Centre Policy and asked the department to work on it to ensure that India’s data can remain within the country.
He said that India will lead the world in the 6G telephony.
Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said that India is now prepared to lead the world in the development of 6G technology stating that due to India’s remarkable achievements in the telecom sector over the last 10 years, the country has become a global leader in innovation and technology.
