#FactCheck -AI-Generated Video Falsely Shows Car Stuck on Delhi–Jaipur Highway Signboard

Introduction

The Indian healthcare sector has been transforming remarkably. This is mainly due to the development of emerging technologies such as AI and IoT. The rapid adoption of technology in healthcare delivery such as AI and IoT integration along with telemedicine, digital health solutions, and Electronic Medical Records (EMR) have enhanced the efficacy of hospitals, driving growth. The integration of AI and IoT devices in healthcare can improve patient care, health record management, and telemedicine and reshape the medical landscape as we know it. However, their implementation must be safe, with robust security and ethical safeguards in place.

The Transformative Power of AI and IoT in Revolutionising Healthcare

IoT devices for healthcare such as smartwatches, wearable patches, and ingestive sensors are equipped with sensors. These devices take physiological parameters in real-time, including heart rate, blood pressure, glucose level, etc. This can be forwarded automatically from these wearables to healthcare providers and EHR systems. Real-time patient health data enable doctors to monitor progress and intervene when needed. 

The sheer volume of data generated by IoT healthcare devices opens avenues for applying AI. AI and ML algorithms can analyse patient data for patterns that further provide diagnostic clues and predict adverse events before they occur. A combination of AI and IoT opens avenues for proactive and personalised medicine tailored to specific patient profiles. This amalgamation can be a bridge between healthcare accessibility and quality. And, especially in rural and underserved areas, it can help receive timely and effective medical consultations, significantly improving healthcare outcomes. Moreover, the integration of AI-powered chatbots and virtual health assistants is enhancing patient engagement by providing instant medical advice and appointment scheduling. 

CyberPeace Takeaway, the Challenges and the Way Forward 

Some of the main challenges associated with integrating AI and IoT in healthcare include cybersecurity due to data privacy concerns, lack of interoperability, and skill gaps in implementation. Addressing these requires enhanced measures or specific policies, such as:

• Promoting collaborations among governments, regulators, industry, and academia to foster a healthcare innovation ecosystem such as public-private partnerships and funding opportunities to drive collaborative advancements in the sector. Additionally, engaging in capacity-building programs to upskill professionals.
• Infrastructural development, including startup support for scalable AI and IoT solutions. Engaging in creating healthcare-specific cybersecurity enhancements to protect sensitive data. According to a 2024 report by Check Point Software Technologies, the Indian healthcare sector has experienced an average of 6,935 cyberattacks per week, compared to 1,821 attacks per organisation globally in 2024. 

Conclusion 

The Deloitte survey highlights that on average hospitals spend 8–10% of their IT budget on cybersecurity techniques, such as hiring professionals and acquiring tools to minimise cyber-attacks to the maximum extent. Additionally, this spending is likely to increase to 12-15 % in the next two years moving towards proactive measures for cybersecurity. 

The policy frameworks and initiatives are also carried out by the government. One of the Indian government's ways of driving innovation in AI and IoT in healthcare is through initiatives under the National Digital Health Mission (NDHM), the National Health Policy and the Digital India Initiative.

Though the challenges presented by data privacy and cyber security persist, the strong policies, public-private collaborations, capacity-building initiatives and the evolving startup ecosystem carry AI and IoT’s potential forward from the thoughtful merging of innovative health technologies, delivery models, and analytics. If the integration complexities are creatively tackled, these could profoundly improve patient outcomes while bending the healthcare cost curve. 

References

• https://www.ndtv.com/business-news/indian-healthcare-sector-faced-6-935-cyberattacks-per-week-in-last-6-months-report-5989240 
• https://www.businesstoday.in/technology/news/story/meity-nasscom-coe-collaborates-with-start-ups-to-enhance-healthcare-with-ai-iot-458739-2024-12-27 
• https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/in/Documents/risk/in-ra-deloitte-dsci-hospital-report-noexp.pdf ‍
• https://medium.com/@shibilahammad/the-transformative-potential-of-iot-and-ai-in-healthcare-78a8c7b4eca1

Recognizing As the Ministry of Electronic and Information Technology (MeitY) continues to invite proposals from academicians, institutions, and industry experts to develop frameworks and tools for AI-related issues through the IndiaAI Mission, it has also funded two AI projects that will deal with matters related to deepfakes as per a status report submitted on 21st November 2024. The Delhi court also ordered the nomination of the members of a nine-member Committee constituted by the MeitY on 20th November 2024 (to address deepfake issues) and asked for a report within three months.‍

Funded AI projects :

The two projects funded by MeitY are:

1. Fake Speech Detection Using Deep Learning Framework- The project was initiated in December 2021 and focuses on detecting fake speech by creating a web interface for detection software this also includes investing in creating a speech verification software platform that is specifically designed for testing fake speech detection systems. It is set to end in December 2024. 
2. Design and Development of Software for Detecting Deepfake Videos and Images- This project was funded by MeitY from January 2022 to March 2024. It also involved the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Kolkata and Hyderabad as they have developed a prototype tool capable of detecting deepfakes. Named FakeCheck, it is designed as a desktop application and a web portal aiming to detect deepfakes without the use of the internet. Reports suggest that it is currently undergoing the testing phase and awaiting feedback.

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Apart from these projects, MeitY has released their expression of interest for proposals in four other areas which include: 

• Tools that detect AI-generated content along with traceable markers,
• Tools that develop an ethical AI framework for AI systems to be transparent and respect human values,
• An AI risk management and assessment tool that analyses threats and precarious situations of AI-specific risks in public AI use cases and;
• Tools that can assess the resilience of AI in stressful situations such as cyberattacks, national disasters, operational failures, etc. 

CyberPeace Outlook

Deepfakes pose significant challenges to critical sectors in India, such as healthcare and education, where manipulated content can lead to crimes like digital impersonation, misinformation, and fraud. The rapid advancement of AI, with developments (regarding regulation) that can’t keep pace, continues to fuel such threats. Recognising these risks, MeitY’s IndiaAI mission, promoting investments and encouraging educational institutions to undertake AI projects that strengthen the country's digital infrastructure comes in as a guiding light. A part of the mission focuses on developing indigenous solutions, including tools for assessment and regulation, to address AI-related threats effectively. While India is making strides in this direction, the global AI landscape is evolving rapidly, with many nations advancing regulations to mitigate AI-driven challenges. Consistent steps, including inviting proposals and funding projects provide the much-needed impetus for the mission to be realized.

References

1. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/meity-dot-at-work-on-projects-for-fair-ai-development/articleshow/115777713.cms?from=mdr
2. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/meity-seeks-tools-to-detect-deepfakes-label-ai-generated-content-101734410291642.html
3. https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/India/meity-funds-two-ai-projects-to-detect-fake-media-forms-committee-on-deepfakes/ar-AA1vMAlJ
4. https://indiaai.gov.in/

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Introduction

As e-sports flourish in India, mobile gaming platforms and apps have contributed massively to this boom. The wave of online mobile gaming has led to a new recognition of esports. As we see the Sports Ministry being very proactive for e-sports and e-athletes, it is pertinent to ensure that we do not compromise our cyber security for the sake of these games. When we talk about online mobile gaming, the most common names that come to our minds are PUBG and BGMI. As news for all Indian gamers, BGMI is set to be relaunched in India after approval from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

Why was BGMI banned?

The Govt banned Battle Ground Mobile India on the pretext of being a Chinese application and the fact that all the data was hosted in China itself. This caused a cascade of compliance and user safety issues as the Data was stored outside India. Since 2020 The Indian Govt has been proactive in banning Chinese applications, which might have an adverse effect on national security and Indian citizens. Nearly 200 plus applications have been banned by the Govt, and most of them were banned due to their data hubs being in China. The issue of cross-border data flow has been a key issue in Geo-Politics, and whoever hosts the data virtually owns it as well and under the potential threat of this fact, all apps hosting their data in China were banned.

Why is BGMI coming back?

BGMI was banned for not hosting data in India, and since the ban, the Krafton Inc.-owned game has been engaging in Idnai to set up data banks and servers to have a separate gaming server for Indian players. These moves will lead to a safe gaming ecosystem and result in better adherence to the laws and policies of the land. The developers have not declared a relaunch date yet, but the game is expected to be available for download for iOS and Android users in the coming few days. The game will be back on app stores as a letter from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has been issued stating that the games be allowed and made available for download on the respective app stores.

Grounds for BGMI

BGMI has to ensure that they comply with all the laws, policies and guidelines in India and have to show the same to the Ministry to get an extension on approval. The game has been permitted for only 90 days (3 Months). Hon’ble MoS Meity Rajeev Chandrashekhar stated in a tweet   “This is a 3-month trial approval of #BGMI after it has complied with issues of server locations and data security etc. We will keep a close watch on other issues of User harm, Addiction etc., in the next 3 months before a final decision is taken”. This clearly shows the magnitude of the bans on Chinese apps. The ministry and the Govt will not play the soft game now, it’s all about compliance and safeguarding the user’s data.

Way Forward

This move will play a significant role in the future, not only for gaming companies but also for other online industries, to ensure compliance. This move will act as a precedent for the issue of cross-border data flow and the advantages of data localisation. It will go a long way in advocacy for the betterment of the Indian cyber ecosystem. Meity alone cannot safeguard the space completely, it is a shared responsibility of the Govt, industry and netizens.

Conclusion

The advent of online mobile gaming has taken the nation by storm, and thus, being safe and secure in this ecosystem is paramount. The provisional permission form BGMI shows the stance of the Govt and how it is following the no-tolerance policy for noncompliance with laws. The latest policies and bills, like the Digital India Act, Digital Personal Data Protection Act, etc., will go a long way in securing the interests and rights of the Indian netizen and will create a blanket of safety and prevention of issues and threats in the future.