#FactCheck - Viral Video Misleadingly Tied to Recent Taiwan Earthquake

AI and other technologies are advancing rapidly. This has ensured the rapid spread of information, and even misinformation. LLMs have their advantages, but they also come with drawbacks, such as confident but inaccurate responses due to limitations in their training data. The evidence-driven retrieval systems aim to address this issue by using and incorporating factual information during response generation to prevent hallucination and retrieve accurate responses.

What is Retrieval-Augmented Response Generation?

Evidence-driven Retrieval Augmented Generation (or RAG) is an AI framework that improves the accuracy and reliability of large language models (LLMs) by grounding them in external knowledge bases. RAG systems combine the generative power of LLMs with a dynamic information retrieval mechanism. The standard AI models rely solely on pre-trained knowledge and pattern recognition to generate text. RAG pulls in credible, up-to-date information from various sources during the response generation process. RAG integrates real-time evidence retrieval with AI-based responses, combining large-scale data with reliable sources to combat misinformation. It follows the pattern of:

• Query Identification: When misinformation is detected or a query is raised.
• Evidence Retrieval: The AI searches databases for relevant, credible evidence to support or refute the claim.
• Response Generation: Using the evidence, the system generates a fact-based response that addresses the claim.

How is Evidence-Driven RAG the key to Fighting Misinformation?

• RAG systems can integrate the latest data, providing information on recent scientific discoveries.
• The retrieval mechanism allows RAG systems to pull specific, relevant information for each query, tailoring the response to a particular user’s needs.
• RAG systems can provide sources for their information, enhancing accountability and allowing users to verify claims.
• Especially for those requiring specific or specialised knowledge, RAG systems can excel where traditional models might struggle.
• By accessing a diverse range of up-to-date sources, RAG systems may offer more balanced viewpoints, unlike traditional LLMs.

Policy Implications and the Role of Regulation

With its potential to enhance content accuracy, RAG also intersects with important regulatory considerations. India has one of the largest internet user bases globally, and the challenges of managing misinformation are particularly pronounced.

• Indian regulators, such as MeitY, play a key role in guiding technology regulation. Similar to the EU's Digital Services Act, the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, mandate platforms to publish compliance reports detailing actions against misinformation. Integrating RAG systems can help ensure accurate, legally accountable content moderation. 
• Collaboration among companies, policymakers, and academia is crucial for RAG adaptation, addressing local languages and cultural nuances while safeguarding free expression. 
• Ethical considerations are vital to prevent social unrest, requiring transparency in RAG operations, including evidence retrieval and content classification. This balance can create a safer online environment while curbing misinformation.

Challenges and Limitations of RAG

While RAG holds significant promise, it has its challenges and limitations.

• Ensuring that RAG systems retrieve evidence only from trusted and credible sources is a key challenge. 
• For RAG to be effective, users must trust the system. Sceptics of content moderation may show resistance to accepting the system’s responses. 
• Generating a response too quickly may compromise the quality of the evidence while taking too long can allow misinformation to spread unchecked.

Conclusion

Evidence-driven retrieval systems, such as Retrieval-Augmented Generation, represent a pivotal advancement in the ongoing battle against misinformation. By integrating real-time data and credible sources into AI-generated responses, RAG enhances the reliability and transparency of online content moderation. It addresses the limitations of traditional AI models and aligns with regulatory frameworks aimed at maintaining digital accountability, as seen in India and globally. However, the successful deployment of RAG requires overcoming challenges related to source credibility, user trust, and response efficiency. Collaboration between technology providers, policymakers, and academic experts can foster the navigation of these to create a safer and more accurate online environment. As digital landscapes evolve, RAG systems offer a promising path forward, ensuring that technological progress is matched by a commitment to truth and informed discourse.

References

• https://experts.illinois.edu/en/publications/evidence-driven-retrieval-augmented-response-generation-for-onlin 
• https://research.ibm.com/blog/retrieval-augmented-generation-RAG 
• https://medium.com/@mpuig/rag-systems-vs-traditional-language-models-a-new-era-of-ai-powered-information-retrieval-887ec31c15a0 
• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/383701402_Web_Retrieval_Agents_for_Evidence-Based_Misinformation_Detection 

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Introduction

Cert-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team) has recently issued the “Guidelines on Information Security Practices” for Government Entities for Safe & Trusted Internet. The guideline has come at a critical time when the Draft Digital India Bill is about to be released, which is aimed at revamping the legal aspects of Indian cyberspace. These guidelines lay down the policy framework and the requirements for critical infrastructure for all government organisations and institutions to improve the overall cyber security of the nation.

What is Cert-In?

A Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a group of information security experts responsible for the protection against, detection of and response to an organisation’s cybersecurity incidents. A CERT may focus on resolving data breaches and denial-of-service attacks and providing alerts and incident handling guidelines. CERTs also conduct ongoing public awareness campaigns and engage in research aimed at improving security systems. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) oversees CERT-In. It regularly releases alerts to help individuals and companies safeguard their data, information, and ICT (Information and Communications Technology) infrastructure.

Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has been established and appointed as national agency in respect of cyber incidents and cyber security incidents in terms of the provisions of section 70B of Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000.

CERT-In requests information from service providers, intermediaries, data centres, and body corporates to coordinate reaction actions and emergency procedures regarding cyber security incidents. It is a focal point for incident reporting and offers round-the-clock security services.  It manages cyber occurrences that are tracked and reported while continuously analysing cyber risks. It strengthens the security barriers for the Indian Internet domain.

Background

India is fast becoming one of the world’s largest connected nations – with over 80 Crore Indians  (Digital Nagriks) presently connected and using the Internet and cyberspace – and with this number is expected to touch 120 Crores in the coming few years. The Digital Nagriks of the country are using the Internet for business, education, finance and various applications and services including Digital Government services. Internet provides growth and innovation and at the same time it has seen rise in cybercrimes, user harm and other challenges to online safety. The policies of the Government are aimed at ensuring an Open, Safe & Trusted and Accountable Internet for its users. Government is fully cognizant and aware of the growing cyber security threats and attacks.

It is the Government of India’s objective to ensure that Digital Nagriks experience a Safe & Trusted Internet. Along with ubiquitous applications of Information & Communication Technologies (ICT) in almost all facets of service delivery and operations, continuously evolving cyber threats have become a concern for the Government. Cyber-attacks can come in the form of malware, ransomware, phishing, data breach etc., that adversely affect an organisation’s information and systems. Cyber threats leading to cyber-attacks or incidents can compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of an organisation’s information and systems and can have far reaching impact on essential services and national interests. To protect against cyber threats, it is important for government entities to implement strong  cybersecurity measures and follow best practices. As ICT infrastructure of the Government entities is one of the preferred targets of the malicious actors, responsibility of implementing good cyber security practices for protecting computers, servers, applications, electronic systems, networks, and data from digital attacks, also remain with the ICT assets’ owner i.e. Government entity.

What are the new Guidelines about?

The Government of India (distribution of business) Rules, 1961’s First Schedule lists a number of Ministries, Departments, Secretariats, and Offices, along with their affiliated and subordinate offices, which are all subject to the rules. They also comprise all governmental organisations, businesses operating in the public sector, and other governmental entities under their administrative control.

“The government has launched a number of steps to guarantee an accessible, trustworthy, and accountable digital environment. With a focus on capabilities, systems, human resources, and awareness, we are extending and speeding our work in the area of cyber security, according to Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Minister of State for Electronics, Information Technology, Skill Development, and Entrepreneurship.

The Recommendations

• Various security domains are covered in the standards, including network security, identity and access management, application security, data security, third-party outsourcing, hardening procedures, security monitoring, incident management, and security audits.
• For instance, the rules advise using only a Standard User (non-administrator) account to use computers and laptops for regular work regarding desktop, laptop, and printer security in the workplace. Users may only be granted administrative access with the CISO’s consent.
• The usage of lengthy passwords containing at least eight characters that combine capital letters, tiny letters, numerals, and special characters; Never save any usernames or passwords in your web browser. Likewise, never save any payment-related data there.
• They include guidelines created by the National Informatics Centre for Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and staff members of Central government Ministries/Departments to improve cyber security and cyber hygiene in addition to adhering to industry best practises.

Conclusion

The government has been proactive in the contemporary times to eradicate the menace of cybercrimes and therreats from the Indian cyberspace and hence now we have seen a series of new bills and polices introduced by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, and various other government organisations like Cert-In and TRAI. These policies have been aimed towards being relevant to time and current technologies. The threats from emerging technologies like web 3.0 cannot be ignored and hence with active netizen participation and synergy between government and corporates will lead to a better and improved cyber ecosystem in India.

Introduction

Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the Union minister of state for information technology (IT), said that the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit, which brings together 29 member governments, including the European Union, announced on 13th December 2023 that the New Delhi Declaration had been adopted. The proclamation committed to developing AI applications for medical treatment and agribusiness jointly and taking the needs of the Global South into account when developing AI.

In addition, signing countries committed to leveraging the GPAI infrastructure to establish a worldwide structure for AI safety and trust, as well as to make AI advantages and approaches accessible to all. In order to complete the recommended structure in six months, India also submitted a proposal to host the GPAI Global Governance Summit.

“The New Delhi Declaration, which aims to place GPAI at the forefront of defining the future of AI in terms of both development and building cooperative AI across the partner states, has been unanimously endorsed by 29 GPAI member countries. Nations have come to an agreement to develop AI applications in healthcare, agriculture, and numerous other fields that affect all of our nations and citizens,” Chandrasekhar stated.

The statement highlights GPAI's critical role in tackling modern AI difficulties, such as generative AI, through submitted AI projects meant to maximize benefits and minimize related risks while solving community problems and worldwide difficulties.

GPAI

Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) is an organisation of 29 countries from the Americas (North and South), Europe and Asia. It has important players such as the US, France, Japan and India, but it excludes China. The previous meeting took place in Japan. In 2024, India will preside over GPAI.

In order to promote and steer the responsible implementation of artificial intelligence based on human rights, multiculturalism, gender equality, innovation, economic growth, the surroundings, and social impact, this forum was established in 2020. Its goal is to bring together elected officials and experts in order to make tangible contributions to the 2030 Agenda and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Given the quick and significant advancements in artificial intelligence over the previous year, the meeting in New Delhi attracted particular attention. They have sparked worries about its misuse as well as enthusiasm about its possible advantages.

The Summit

The G20 summit, which India hosted in September 2023, provided an atmosphere for the discussions at the GPAI summit. There, participants of this esteemed worldwide economic conference came to an agreement on how to safely use AI for "Good and for All."

In order to safeguard people's freedoms and security, member governments pledged to address AI-related issues "in a responsible, inclusive, and human-centric manner."

The key tactic devised is to distribute AI's advantages fairly while reducing its hazards. Promoting international collaboration and discourse on global management for AI is the first step toward accomplishing this goal. 

A major milestone in that approach was the GPAI summit.

The conversation on AI was started by India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is undoubtedly one of the most tech-aware and tech-conscious international authorities.

He noted that every system needs to be revolutionary, honest, and trustworthy in order to be sustained.

"There is no doubt that AI is transformative, but it is up to us to make it more and more transparent." He continued by saying that when associated social, ethical, and financial concerns are appropriately addressed, trust will increase.

After extensive discussions, the summit attendees decided on a strategy to establish global collaboration on a number of AI-related issues. The proclamation pledged to place GPAI at the leading edge of defining AI in terms of creativity and cooperation while expanding possibilities for AI in healthcare, agriculture, and other areas of interest, according to Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar.

There was an open discussion of a number of issues, including disinformation, joblessness and bias, protection of sensitive information, and violations of human rights. The participants reaffirmed their dedication to fostering dependable, safe, and secure AI within their respective domains.

Concerns raised by AI

• The issue of legislation comes first. There are now three methods in use. In order to best promote inventiveness, the UK government takes a "less is more" approach to regulation. Conversely, the European Union (EU) is taking a strong stance, planning to propose a new Artificial Intelligence Act that might categorize AI 'in accordance with use-case situations based essentially on the degree of interference and vulnerability'.
• Second, analysts say that India has the potential to lead the world in discussions about AI. For example, India has an advantage when it comes to AI discussions because of its personnel, educational system, technological stack, and populace, according to Markham Erickson of Google's Centers for Excellence. However, he voiced the hope that Indian regulations will be “interoperable” with those of other countries in order to maximize the benefits for small and medium-sized enterprises in the nation.
• Third, there is a general fear about how AI will affect jobs, just as there was in the early years of the Internet's development. Most people appear to agree that while many jobs won't be impacted, certain jobs might be lost as artificial intelligence develops and gets smarter. According to Erickson, the solution to the new circumstances is to create "a more AI-skilled workforce." 
• Finally, a major concern relates to deepfakes defined as 'digital media, video, audio and images, edited and manipulated, using Artificial Intelligence (AI).'

Need for AI Strategy in Commercial Businesses

Firstly, astute or mobile corporate executives such as Shailendra Singh, managing director of Peak XV Partners, feel that all organisations must now have 'an AI strategy'.

Second, it is now impossible to isolate the influence of digital technology and artificial intelligence from the study of international relations (IR), foreign policy, and diplomacy. Academics have been contemplating and penning works of "the geopolitics of AI."

Combat Strategies

"We will talk about how to combine OECD capabilities to maximize our capacity to develop the finest approaches to the application and management of AI for the benefit of our people. The French Minister of Digital Transition and Telecommunications", Jean-Noël Barrot, informed reporters. 

Vice-Minister of International Affairs for Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications Hiroshi Yoshida stated, "We particularly think GPAI should be more inclusive so that we encourage more developing countries to join." Mr Chandrasekhar stated, "Inclusion of lower and middle-income countries is absolutely core to the GPAI mission," and added that Senegal has become a member of the steering group.

India's role in integrating agribusiness into the AI agenda was covered in a paragraph. The proclamation states, "We embrace the use of AI innovation in supporting sustainable agriculture as a new thematic priority for GPAI."

Conclusion

The New Delhi Declaration, which was adopted at the GPAI Summit, highlights the cooperative determination of 29 member nations to use AI for the benefit of all people. GPAI, which will be led by India in 2024, intends to influence AI research with an emphasis on healthcare, agriculture, and resolving ethical issues. Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed the need to use AI responsibly and build clarity and confidence. Legislative concerns, India's potential for leadership, employment effects, and the difficulty of deepfakes were noted. The conference emphasized the importance of having an AI strategy in enterprises and covered battle tactics, with a focus on GPAI's objective, which includes tolerance for developing nations. Taken as a whole, the summit presents GPAI as an essential tool for navigating the rapidly changing AI field.

References

• https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ai-summit-adopts-new-delhi-declaration-on-inclusiveness-collaboration/article67635398.ece
• https://www.livemint.com/news/india/gpai-meet-adopts-new-delhi-ai-declaration-11702487342900.html
• https://startup.outlookindia.com/sector/policy/global-partnership-on-ai-member-nations-unanimously-adopt-new-delhi-declaration-news-10065
• https://gpai.ai/