#FactCheck - Old Japanese Earthquake Footage Falsely Linked to Tibet

Introduction

India’s telecom regulator, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), has directed telcos to block all unverified headers and message templates within 30 and 60 days, respectively, according to a press release. The regulator observed that telemarketers were ‘misusing’ headers and message templates of registered parties and asked telcos to reverify all registered headers & message templates on the DLT (Distributed Ledger Technology) platform. All telecom service providers (TSP) have to comply with these directions, issued under the Telecom Commercial Communication Customer Preference Regulations, 2018, within a month, TRAI said in its release. The directions were issued after TRAI held a meeting with telcos on February 17, 2023, to discuss quality of service (QoS) improvements, review of QoS standards, QoS of 5G services and unsolicited commercial communications”, as per its press release.

Why it matters?

It may be useful as it can ensure that all promotional messages are sent through registered telemarketers using only approved templates. It is no secret that the spam problem has been difficult to rein in, so the measure can restrict its proliferation and filter out telemarketers resorting to misuse.

Details about TRAI’s orders

The release said that telcos have to ensure that temporary headers are deactivated immediately after the time duration for which such headers were created. The telcos also have to ensure that there is no space to insert unwanted content in the template of a message where one can add content to be sent to people. Message recipients should not be confused, so telcos must ensure that they register no lookalike headers in the names of different senders.

Measures to check unregistered telemarketers

The release ordered telcos to bar telemarketers not registered on its DLT platform from accessing message templates and scrubbing them to deliver spam messages to recipients on the telco’s network. The telcos have been directed not to allow promotional messages to be sent by unregistered telemarketers or telemarketers using 10-digit telephone numbers. It added that telcos have to take action against erring telemarketers and share details of these telemarketers with other telcos, which will then be responsible for stopping these entities from sending commercial communications through their networks.

How big is the problem of spam?

A survey conducted by LocalCircles said that two out of every three people (66 per cent) in India get three or more spam calls daily. It added that not one person among thousands of respondents checked the box of ‘no spam’.

The platform said that it was a national survey which gathered over 56,000 responses from Indians located in 342 districts. It also found that 92 % of responders said they continue receiving spam despite opting for DND. The DND list is a feature where mobile subscriber can register their number to avoid getting unsolicited commercial communication (UCC).

Addressing the problem of spam

The regulatory body recently released a consultation paper that proposed the idea of providing the real name identity of callers to people receiving calls. The paper said that it would use a database containing each subscriber’s correct name to implement the caller name presentation (CNAP) service. The regulator wants to use details acquired by telecom service providers via customer acquisition forms (CAF).

TRAI formed a joint committee to look at the issue of phishing and cyber fraud in 2022. It included officials from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). The telecom watchdog had laid out a plan to combat SMS and call spam using blockchain technology (DLT). It saw telecom companies and TRAI to build an encrypted and distributed database that will record user consent to be included in SMS or call send-out lists.

According to a press release, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the telecom regulator in India, has ordered carriers to block any unverified headers and message templates within 30 and 60 days, respectively.

The regulator saw that telemarketers were “misusing” registered parties’ headers and message templates. Thus, they requested that telecoms validate all of the registered headers and message templates on the DLT (Distributed Ledger Technology) platform.

According to TRAI’s statement, all telecom service providers (TSP) must adhere to these directives within one month under the 2018 Telecom Commercial Communication Consumer Preference Rules. The guidelines were released following a conference with telcos convened by TRAI on February 17, 2023, to discuss quality of service (QoS) enhancements, a review of QoS standards, the QoS of 5G services, and unsolicited commercial communications.

Why it matters?

Requiring that only registered telemarketers send promotional communications using approved templates may prove to be a beneficial safeguard. It is no secret that the spam problem has been challenging to control, so the measure can limit its spread and screen out telemarketers that employ abusive tactics.

Information on the TRAI order

According to the press release, telecoms must ensure that temporary headers are deactivated as soon as the time period they were established has passed. The telecoms must also ensure that there is no room in the message template where one can add content to be sent to recipients for unwanted content. There should be no room for uncertainty among message recipients. Thus, telecoms must ensure that no similar-looking headers are registered under the identities of various senders.

Taking action against unregistered telemarketers In accordance with the directive, telcos must prevent telemarketers who are not registered on their DLT platform from obtaining message templates and using them to send spam to subscribers on their network. Telemarketers who are not registered or who use 10-digit phone numbers cannot send promotional messages, according to instructions given to telecoms. Telcos must take action against misbehaving telemarketers, it was noted, and divulge their information to other telecoms, who would be in charge of preventing these companies from transmitting commercial messages.

How widespread is the spam issue?

According to a LocalCircles poll, three or more spam calls are received every day by two out of every three Indians (66%) on average. It further stated that not a single one of the thousands of responses clicked the “no-spam” box. According to the platform, the survey was conducted nationally and received over 56,000 responses from Indians in 342 districts. Moreover, 92 % of respondents reported that even after choosing DND, they still receive spam. A mobile subscriber can register their number on the DND list to prevent receiving unsolicited commercial communication (UCC).

consultation document recently in which it recommended the concept of providing the genuine name identify of callers to persons receiving calls. The paper indicated that it would employ a database containing each subscriber’s correct name to implement the caller name presentation (CNAP) service. The regulator wants to use information collected by telecom service providers through client acquisition forms (CAF).

Conclusion

TRAI established a joint committee to examine the problem of phishing and cyber scams in 2022. Officials from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) were present (SEBI).

The telecom watchdog had outlined a strategy for leveraging blockchain technology to combat SMS and call spam (DLT).

Introduction

The rise in start-up culture, increasing investments, and technological breakthroughs are being encouraged alongside innovations and the incorporation of generative Artificial Intelligence elements. Witnessing the growing focus on human-centred AI, its potential to transform industries like education remains undeniable. Enhancing experiences and inculcating new ways of learning, there is much to be explored. Recently, a Delhi-based non-profit called Rocket Learning, in collaboration with Google.org, launched Appu- a personalised AI educational tool providing a multilingual and conversational learning experience for kids between 3 and 6.

AI Appu

Developed in 6 months, along with the help of dedicated Google.org fellows, interactive Appu has resonated with those the founders call “super-users,” i.e. parents and caregivers. Instead of redirecting students to standard content and instructional videos, it operates on the idea of conversational learning, one equally important for children in the targeted age bracket. Designed in the form of an elephant, Appu is supposed to be a personalised tutor, helping both children and parents understand concepts through dialogue. AI enables the generation of different explanations in case of doubt, aiding in understanding. If children were to answer in mixed languages instead of one complete sentence in a single language (eg, Hindi and English), the AI would still consider it as a response. The AI lessons are two minutes long and are inculcated with real-world examples. The emphasis on interactive and fun learning of concepts through innovation enhances the learning experience. Currently only available in Hindi, it is being worked on to include 20 other languages such as Punjabi and Marathi. 

UNESCO, AI, and Education

It is important to note that such innovations also find encouragement in UNESCO’s mandate as AI in education contributes to achieving the 2030 Agenda of Sustainable Development Goals (here; SDG 4- focusing on quality education). Within the ambit of the Beijing Consensus held in 2019, UNESCO encourages a human-centred approach to AI, and has also developed the “Artificial Intelligence and Education: Guidance for Policymakers” aiming towards understanding its potential and opportunities in education as well as the core competencies it needs to work on. Another publication was launched during one of the flagship events of UNESCO- (Digital Learning Week, 2024) - AI competency frameworks for both, students and teachers which provide a roadmap for assessing the potential and risks of AI, each covering common aspects such as AI ethics, and human-centred mindset and even certain distinct options such as AI system design for students and AI pedagogy for teachers.

Potential Challenges

While AI holds immense promise in education, innovation with regard to learning is contentious as several risks must be carefully managed. Depending on the innovation, AI’s struggle with multitasking beyond the classroom, such as administrative duties and tedious grading, which require highly detailed role descriptions could prove to be a challenge. This can become exhausting for developers managing innovative AI systems, as they would have to fit various responses owing to the inherent nature of AI needing to be trained to produce output. Security concerns are another major issue, as data breaches could compromise sensitive student information. Implementation costs also present challenges, as access to AI-driven tools depends on financial resources. Furthermore, AI-driven personalised learning, while beneficial, may inadvertently reduce student motivation, also compromising students' soft skills, such as teamwork and communication, which are crucial for real-world success. These risks highlight the need for a balanced approach to AI integration in education.

Conclusion

Innovations related to education, especially the ones that focus on a human-centred AI approach, have immense potential in not only enhancing learning experiences but also reshaping how knowledge is accessed, understood, and applied. Untapped potential using other services is also encouraged in this sector. However, maintaining a balance between fostering intrigue and ensuring the inculcation of ethical and secure AI remains imperative.

References

• https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/what-you-need-know-about-unescos-new-ai-competency-frameworks-students-and-teachers?hub=32618
• https://www.unesco.org/en/digital-education/artificial-intelligence
• https://www.deccanherald.com/technology/google-backed-rocket-learning-launches-appu-an-ai-powered-tutor-for-kids-3455078
• https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/artificial-intelligence/how-this-google-backed-ai-tool-is-reshaping-education-appu-9896391/
• https://www.thehindu.com/business/ai-appu-to-tutor-children-in-india/article69354145.ece
• https://www.velvetech.com/blog/ai-in-education-risks-and-concerns/ 

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Governments in nations across the globe are consequently vying to draw in data centre investments as components of the wider AI sovereignty policies. However, recent events in Ireland make it clear that such an infrastructure is associated with significant environmental and social price tags. In geographically dense and resource-strained countries such as India, these trade-offs pose some pressing questions of whether today's AI ambitions are socially or environmentally sustainable. The data centre crisis in Ireland provides a handy reminder. It puts emphasis on the capacity of land use, water stress, energy demand, and disruption of communities to amplify quickly as digital infrastructure continues to increase at a faster rate than the regulatory and ecological capacity. These lessons should be paid close attention to as India continues to develop the IndiaAI Mission and establish itself as an AI hub in the future.

Why Data Centres Are Ecological Stress Multipliers

The data centres are sometimes referred to as clean digital infrastructure; however, in an actual sense, they are heavy industrial guardians of resources. Centres of large proportions demand an extensive amount of land, constant electricity, and a significant amount of water to cool down. 

The most apparent effect is on energy consumption. Data centres are 24/7, round the clock, and need to be powered with a high-quality and stable electricity supply. By 2022, data centres had more than a quarter of the overall national electricity demand in Ireland, which created problems regarding grid stability and energy security (EirGrid, 2022). This compelled regulators to limit new connections in some of the areas. These trends also bring some similarities to certain regions of the United States, especially in Virginia, where particular data centres have led to peaks in the electricity demand in the region (U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2023).

Another primary source of pressure is the use of water. Heavy liquid coolers are very intensive systems in data centres, which tend to use the local freshwater sources. This may directly compete with residential and agricultural requirements in case of heatwaves or drought. In the western US, environmental advocates have issued notices that data centres contribute to a water deficit in other overextended basins (New York Times, 2023).

It also depends on local pollution and land use. Data centres are normally constructed on large plots close to urban or peri-urban centres, having good accessibility. This may push aside farmlands, increase property rates, and change local ecologies. The backup diesel generators, which are employed during power cuts, add to air and noise pollutants, and they thus impact the adjacent communities.

Ireland’s Experience and the Social Backlash

The low corporate taxes, cool climate, and PIC access to the EU market made Ireland a big data centre hub. The concentration of facilities around Dublin was, however, done unintentionally, leading to its rapid concentration. The population in their local communities also experienced mounting housing pressure, power competition, and underemployment because the number of long-term jobs created by a data centre is comparatively low.

The Irish government later realised that data centre expansion was causing strain on climate commitments and electricity infrastructure on a national level. The grid operators started denying new connections to data centres in sections of the country, which amounted to a kind of moratorium on further growth (TechPolicy.Press, 2024). What was initially a digital success story became a government issue, an ecology versus economic plan clash.

This experience particularly applies to smaller or densely populated countries. Countries such as Ireland and India have concentrated influences on fewer points, unlike the United States or China, which are able to spread data centres over wide areas.

India’s Emerging Data Centre Geography

India is advertising data centres as a way of advancing its digital and AI platforms. There are a number of states that have published data centre policies, such as Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh. The connectivity, financial infrastructure, and location to large user bases are making Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Noida major hubs (MeitY, 2023).

Nevertheless, these areas are already stressed in terms of the environment. Mumbai also suffers from land shortage and flooding. There is a permanent water scarcity in Chennai. Hyderabad and Noida cannot cope with the intensity of population growth and energy demand in urban areas. Locating such large-scale data centres in these locations will pose a risk of augmenting the existing vulnerabilities instead of decentralising the benefits of development.

India, in contrast to the United States or China, does not have continental-scale low-density areas with spare water and power near demand centres. Each additional data centre in India is thus likely to have an impact on an increasing number of people per unit of infrastructure, by land acquisition, water diversion, grid pressure, or environmental externalities.

Community Impacts and Uneven Costs

The cost incurred by local communities to increase their data centre expansion is not proportionate to the benefits enjoyed. The after construction efforts to generate employment is minimal and the long term effects include strains on infrastructure. Tariffs can be increased with the growth of electric power demand. The extraction of water may have impacts on local supply. The prices of real estate may crowd out the lower-income population.

These impacts may be enhanced in India, where urban inequality is already high. The informal settlements along the industrial areas are such that they are vulnerable to pollution as well as diversion of resources. Data centres will otherwise be yet another project that creates unequal development without proper consultation with the community and other environmental protection measures.

What This Means for India’s AI Sovereignty Plans

The IndiaAI Mission of India focuses on developing local AI potential, data networks, and processing units to minimise the use of external systems ( IndiaAI Mission Document, 2024). This vision is based on data centres. Nevertheless, the concept of simple AI autonomy is made difficult by ecological limits.

An AI infrastructure that compromises water security, energy availability, or climate objectives could come under opposition and regulation backlash, as in the case of Ireland. This would delay deployment and add up to more expenses. Physical expansion is not sufficient to have true AI sovereignty. It should also take into consideration sustainability, decentralisation, and efficiency.

This brings about strategic concerns. India must invest more vigorously in energy-efficient computing, edge AI and model optimisation as opposed to scale. Is renewable energy integration viable to maintain the information centre demand? Is data centre siting to comply with long term water and land use planning, and not the short-term incentives of investment?

Towards a Sustainable Digital Infrastructure Strategy

India can still afford to learn not to repeat the errors experienced elsewhere. This will necessitate data centres being regarded as digital assets, not important infrastructures that have an environmental and social impact. Both more robust environmental impact assessments and public water and energy accounting and community involvement must become unavoidable.

From an AI policy perspective, sustainability should be seen as a pillar of sovereignty. An AI ecosystem that depends on fragile ecological foundations is not resilient. By learning from Ireland and adapting global lessons to local realities, India can pursue AI leadership without creating new environmental crises.

The future of AI will not be decided only by algorithms and talent. It will also be shaped by land, water, energy, and the communities that live alongside digital infrastructure. Ignoring those realities would make AI ambition fragile rather than sovereign.

References

• TechPolicy.Press. What Ireland’s Data Center Crisis Means for the EU’s AI Sovereignty Plans. 2024. https://techpolicy.press
• EirGrid. Electricity Demand Forecast Statement. 2022. https://www.eirgridgroup.com
• U.S. Energy Information Administration. Data Centers and Energy Demand. 2023. https://www.eia.gov
• New York Times. Data Centers Are Straining Water Supplies in the American West. 2023. https://www.nytimes.com 
• Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. India Data Centre Policy and Digital Infrastructure Initiatives. 2023. https://www.meity.gov.in
• IndiaAI Mission. Official Mission Document and Framework. 2024. https://indiaai.gov.in

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