News
November 10, 2025
AI models for public good; Mapping India’s online abuse crisis
Industry experts at a TechSparks panel on AI agreed that India should focus on building AI models that use the country’s data. The latest data and survivor accounts reveal a crisis with pervasive online abuse.
## AI for Good: Experts Urge India to Build AI Solutions Tailored to Local Needs
Industry experts are calling for a shift in focus, urging India to prioritize the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) models specifically designed to address the nation's unique challenges. This call to action was a key takeaway from a recent TechSparks panel discussion, where leaders in the tech sector emphasized the importance of leveraging India's vast data resources to create AI solutions for the public good.
The panelists argued that while globally developed AI models offer certain advantages, they often fall short when applied to the complexities of the Indian context. By building AI models that are trained on and informed by Indian data, the country can create tools that are more accurate, relevant, and effective in tackling local problems.
One pressing issue highlighted during the discussion was the pervasive online abuse crisis plaguing India. The panel acknowledged that the latest data, coupled with harrowing accounts from survivors, paints a grim picture of the scale and severity of online harassment and abuse. This includes cyberbullying, online stalking, hate speech, and other forms of digital violence.
The experts believe that AI can play a crucial role in mitigating this crisis. Specifically, AI-powered tools could be developed to detect and flag abusive content, identify patterns of online harassment, and provide support to victims. However, these tools must be carefully designed and trained using data that accurately reflects the nuances of online communication in India, including the various languages, cultural contexts, and social dynamics at play.
The panel emphasized that building these AI models requires a collaborative effort involving government, industry, academia, and civil society organizations. It also necessitates a commitment to ethical AI development, ensuring that these technologies are used responsibly and do not perpetuate existing biases or infringe on fundamental rights.
Ultimately, the message was clear: India has the potential to become a leader in AI for good, but it must prioritize building AI solutions that are tailored to its own needs and challenges. Addressing the online abuse crisis is just one example of how AI can be harnessed to create a safer and more equitable digital environment for all Indians.
Industry experts are calling for a shift in focus, urging India to prioritize the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) models specifically designed to address the nation's unique challenges. This call to action was a key takeaway from a recent TechSparks panel discussion, where leaders in the tech sector emphasized the importance of leveraging India's vast data resources to create AI solutions for the public good.
The panelists argued that while globally developed AI models offer certain advantages, they often fall short when applied to the complexities of the Indian context. By building AI models that are trained on and informed by Indian data, the country can create tools that are more accurate, relevant, and effective in tackling local problems.
One pressing issue highlighted during the discussion was the pervasive online abuse crisis plaguing India. The panel acknowledged that the latest data, coupled with harrowing accounts from survivors, paints a grim picture of the scale and severity of online harassment and abuse. This includes cyberbullying, online stalking, hate speech, and other forms of digital violence.
The experts believe that AI can play a crucial role in mitigating this crisis. Specifically, AI-powered tools could be developed to detect and flag abusive content, identify patterns of online harassment, and provide support to victims. However, these tools must be carefully designed and trained using data that accurately reflects the nuances of online communication in India, including the various languages, cultural contexts, and social dynamics at play.
The panel emphasized that building these AI models requires a collaborative effort involving government, industry, academia, and civil society organizations. It also necessitates a commitment to ethical AI development, ensuring that these technologies are used responsibly and do not perpetuate existing biases or infringe on fundamental rights.
Ultimately, the message was clear: India has the potential to become a leader in AI for good, but it must prioritize building AI solutions that are tailored to its own needs and challenges. Addressing the online abuse crisis is just one example of how AI can be harnessed to create a safer and more equitable digital environment for all Indians.
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Technology