Statement by India during the Interactive Dialogue on OHCHR’s Report on ‘human rights and new and emerging digital technologies’ at the 56th Session of the Human Rights Council (18 June - 12 July 2024) delivered by Mr. Kshitij Tyagi, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva, 2 July 2024 Statement by India during the Interactive Dialogue on OHCHR’s Report on ‘human rights and new ..
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Statement by India during the Interactive Dialogue on OHCHR’s Report on ‘human rights and new and emerging digital technologies’ at the 56th Session of the Human Rights Council (18 June - 12 July 2024) delivered by Mr. Kshitij Tyagi, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva, 2 July 2024

 

Statement by India during the Interactive Dialogue on OHCHR’s Report on ‘human rights and new and emerging digital technologies’ at the 56th Session of the Human Rights Council (18 June - 12 July 2024) delivered by Mr. Kshitij Tyagi, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva, 2 July 2024

Madam Vice President,

We take note of the report of the Office of the High Commissioner on human rights and new and emerging digital technologies, and the recommendations made therein. 

2. The report underscores the fundamental tension between the immense potential of these technologies as human rights enablers on one hand and the risks of their misuse to violate these rights on the other. Innovations in ICT and New and Emerging Digital Technologies such as AI are truly transformational and have enormous potential to promote efficiencies, usher in growth and development, and improve lives. At the same time, they present new challenges such as growing digital divide, issues of privacy, cybersecurity, online harassment, cyberbullying, disinformation, misinformation, hate speech, etc.

3. The report recalls some of the core principles mentioned in Secretary General’s report of 2020 on how digital technologies can promote economic, social and cultural rights, as well as development. Following a similar approach, the ‘Digital India’ initiative of the Government of India aims to empower every citizen and bridge the digital divide, specifically targeting the marginalised and vulnerable sections of society. Similarly, The India AI Mission aims to build a comprehensive ecosystem that fosters AI innovation by democratizing computing access, enhancing data quality, developing AI capabilities, ensuring socially impactful AI projects, and promoting ethical AI, driving responsible and inclusive growth of India's AI ecosystem.

Madam Vice President,

4.We believe that there is a greater need for international cooperation, better governance and regulatory efforts to steer these new and emerging technologies towards enjoyment of human rights by people. 

 Thank You.