Digital India Foundation opposes Pakistan's membership bid to AI Alliance Network; cites security concerns
Digital India Foundation stated that Pakistan's systemic support of terrorism, ongoing scrutiny by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), potential weaponisation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) through AITeC's specialised labs, and the absence of institutional accountability in Pakistan's AI ecosystem, pose a direct threat to India's national security and to AIANET's foundational principles.
Dr. Arvind Gupta, Co-Founder and Head, Digital India Foundation, said, 'The membership application of AITeC should be seen as Pakistan's way of gaining access to our R&D and technology with the aim of weaponizing AI through their specialized labs. We need to ensure that this does not happen. The Pahalgam terrorist attack and the recent Indo-Pak conflict highlight the need for continued vigilance by India to ensure that Pakistan's efforts to undermine regional stability do not succeed.'
Digital India Foundation also raised concerns about several of AITeC's centres, which it said have dual-use and military applications. The Autonomous AI & Decision Support Lab, Computer Vision Lab, and Software Optimization for Edge Computing Lab were cited as possessing capabilities that could be redirected toward offensive cyber operations, cross-border attacks, and autonomous targeting systems.
The Foundation said that these technologies, in the hands of a state with a record of supporting terrorism, could enable operational enhancements for nonstate actors. It referenced the 2025 U.S. Country Reports on Terrorism, noting Pakistan's continued protection of groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.
Further, highlighting security concerns, Digital India Foundation pointed to Pakistan's ongoing FATF grey-list status due to failures in countering terror financing and money laundering. It warned that AITeC's Data Science Lab and Quantum Machine Learning & Cognitive Computing Lab could potentially be misused to automate illicit financial flows and cryptocurrency-based fundraising for extremist networks.
Digital India Foundation contrasted this with AIANET members, which are governed by democratic institutions, enforceable data protection laws, and independent oversight bodies that uphold ethical and accountable AI development, conditions absent in Pakistan's current environment.
The Foundation said in its letter that Pakistan's AI ecosystem suffers from major deficiencies in education, research, and governance. It noted that Pakistan's draft National AI Policy remains vague and unenforceable, and the country lacks a national data protection law. It added that military-led entities such as the Pakistan Air Force's Centre of Artificial Intelligence and Computing (CENTAIC) dominate the nation's AI strategy, undermining civilian innovation.
Digital India Foundation emphasized that AITeC's integration into this militarised AI framework directly contradicts the AIANET's mission to advance AI for the public good and peaceful global cooperation.
In its concluding appeal, Digital India Foundation urged AIANET members to reject AITeC's application entirely to preserve the alliance's integrity, protect global AI collaboration, and uphold the principles of responsible, democratic, and peaceful technological advancement. (ANI)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Govt to launch ‘Rajasthan AI Policy 2025' soon
Jaipur: The state govt will launch the 'Rajasthan AI Policy 2025' soon. Through this policy, the govt seeks to establish the state as a leading destination for digital innovation and creative technological advancement within the country. This policy is built on three main pillars: first, special efforts will be made at the govt level to adopt ethical and responsible artificial intelligence. Second, skill development and research will be promoted in the state. Third, a robust and comprehensive digital infrastructure will be developed. For its implementation, a Centre of Excellence for AI (CoE-AI) will be established to accelerate innovation in collaboration with startups, academic institutions, and the private sector. This policy aligns with the National India AI Mission and aims to adopt global best practices. The AVGC-XR Policy issued by the govt will take steps to make the state a leader in fields such as animation, gaming, and visual effects. Additionally, the state govt has proposed the establishment of four Atal Innovation Studios and Accelerators at a cost of Rs 1,000 crore. Alongside, the Agriculture Accelerator Mission was launched to integrate technology with agriculture. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villa Prices in Dubai Might Be Lower Than You Think! Villa for sale in Dubai | Search Ads Learn More Undo Considering the growing impact of information technology and technology, the 'Rajasthan Data Centre Policy 2025', unveiled by the govt, will encourage the establishment of data centres in the private sector in Rajasthan. The aim of this policy is to develop a world-class data centre ecosystem in the state and make Rajasthan a prime destination in the data centre sector. This policy will enhance the efficiency, security, and reliability of activities of data centres to be established in the state. The Rajasthan State Data Centre (RSDC), also known as Bhamashah State Data Centre, is the largest govt-owned data centre in the country. This centre is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies. It includes four DR sites in Jaipur and one in Jodhpur. It has a total capacity of 800 racks, with RSDC-P4 offering a Tier-4 design with a 99.995 percent uptime guarantee.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Lawmakers question delay in subsidies for fisheries sector
Porvorim: The House on Friday said that schemes meant to promote fishing and dairy farming have failed to reach the intended beneficiaries. The lawmakers cited deficiencies in a range of areas, from fuel and dairy subsidies to schemes for landless fisherfolk to build homes. The harshest criticism against the functioning of the fisheries department and the directorate of animal husbandry and veterinary services came from within the BJP ranks. Addressing Nilkanth Halarnkar, who holds the two portfolios, legislators called for proactive steps to aid fisherfolk and farmers in the state. The total subsidy allocation under all the schemes of the fisheries department was Rs 13.4 crore last year, and this year it has been cut to Rs 9.2 crore. 'Milk subsidy has not been given since Jan. On the one hand, you ask people to take up dairy farming and then you do not give subsidies,' said Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral. He said, 'If the poor do not receive subsidies on time, how will they survive?' Cabral said that the staff of the two departments refuse to assist farmers from his constituency. 'They are only working in your constituency of Tivim and they don't want to come South,' he said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is AI the secret to mastering a new language faster than ever? See why experts are buzzing. Talkpal AI Undo 'There are many schemes, but I don't know how effective they are. Only you know what is happening. The fisheries director is good, but for some reason, she does not help my people.' Bicholim legislator Dr Chandrakant Shetye had a similar grievance about the disbursal of incentives. 'The support price and incentives to farmers and dairy farmers should be released on time every month or at least once in two months,' he said. Halarnkar informed the House that he would discuss the delays in payments with the CM. Goa Forward Party MLA Vijai Sardesai said that the budgetary allocation for the fisheries department exposes govt's priorities. 'The total budget allocated to fisheries this year has been reduced from Rs 84 crore last year to Rs 72 crore,' Sardesai said. 'In 2023-24, the original allocation was Rs 100 crore, later revised to Rs 200 crore, and yet the actual expenditure was less than 25% — only Rs 46 crore.' Calangute MLA Michael Lobo demanded that govt take advantage of its connect with the Centre to obtain funding. 'There is a need to use the double engine to buy fast patrol boats to crack down on illegal fishing, bull trawling, and LED fishing,' Lobo said. He said, 'Send central govt a full list of what Goa's fisheries sector needs: jetties, refrigeration systems, and ice boxes.'
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
WinZO disputes Google's CCI proposal on Play Store rules
Bengaluru: Real‑money gaming platform WinZO has raised concerns over Google's latest proposal to the Competition Commission of India (CCI), arguing that it does not adequately address the anti‑competitive issues flagged in an ongoing investigation. The case originates from WinZO's December 2022 complaint alleging that Google abused its dominant position by restricting Play Store access to only fantasy sports and rummy apps while excluding other real‑money gaming categories. With Google controlling 96% of India's app distribution market, WinZO said this policy inflated user acquisition costs by 'at least 10x' for apps distributed outside the Play Store. Acting on the complaint, the CCI in November 2024 ordered a formal investigation, citing prima facie violations of competition law, including the imposition of unfair conditions, denial of market access and limiting of market development. The Commission had noted Google's lack of clear criteria for its pilot programme, inconsistent enforcement of its ads policy and 'misleading payment warnings' shown to users sideloading apps, which it said artificially deterred usage. In a public notice issued recently the CCI invited comments on Google's commitment offer. Google's proposal includes allowing all real‑money games that are certified by recognised third‑party bodies, replacing its pilot programme for fantasy sports and rummy apps and permitting certified skill‑based games to advertise on Google Ads. If approved, Google has committed to implement the Play Store changes within 120 days and its advertising changes within 150 days of the CCI's order. The deadline for public comments is August 20, 2025. Responding to WinZO's objections, a Google spokesperson said the company welcomed the CCI's market testing of its proposed framework, describing it as the result of 'constructive discussions' with the regulator and Indian developers. Google added that it is confident the proposal will create 'a more open and safe ecosystem' for real‑money gaming apps, empower local developers and prioritise user safety. In its statement, WinZO said Google's commitments 'must be robust and genuinely eliminate the discriminatory practices identified,' adding that the proposed framework's reference to 'developing' a commercial model for real‑money gaming lacked clear timelines or objective criteria. WinZO, which reported a 70% rise in revenue to Rs 1,055 crore and a 151% increase in profit to Rs 315 crore in FY24, said it will continue to participate in the consultation process 'to ensure fairness, transparency and a level playing field in India's digital economy.' AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
