Digital Dystopia or Humane Society? VP Dhankhar Calls for Balanced AI Regulation and Citizen Rights

Speaking at the launch of the book ‘AI on Trial’ authored by Rajya Sabha MP Sujeet Kumar at the Vice-President’s Enclave, Dhankhar warned against the unchecked rise of AI, cautioning that society stands at a crossroads—between becoming a “digital dystopia where humans serve algorithms” or a “humane society where technology serves the people.”

“Regulation of AI will determine the kind of society we aspire to be… This is not a distant concern. It is already upon us,” he said.

Call for Rights and Accountability in AI Governance

The Vice-President proposed enforceable rights such as the right to explanation, the right to contest automated decisions, and the right to opt out of algorithmic processing, particularly in cases where decisions affect livelihoods, liberty, and dignity.

He stressed the need for a transparent, principle-based and sector-specific approach, stating that “AI used in medical diagnostics cannot be scrutinised at the same level as AI creating social media feeds.”

Need for a National AI Authority

To manage AI’s vast implications, Dhankhar recommended setting up a National Artificial Intelligence Authority—an independent but accountable body comprising government, industry, academia, and civil society members. He emphasised this should serve as a think tank, ensuring innovation is encouraged while protecting citizens from harm.

“We must design regulation as a scaffold, not a cage,” he added, warning that overregulation could stifle innovation, while underregulation could erode public trust and safety.

Cyber Sovereignty and Legal Frameworks

Asserting the importance of India’s cyber sovereignty, Dhankhar called for alignment with global standards to establish a rule-based global AI order.

He also highlighted the legal challenges posed by AI opacity, questioning the compatibility of unexplainable automated systems with principles of legal transparency, accountability and judicial trust.

“Justice is at risk when algorithms influence law. Judgments can’t be robotised,” he warned.

On Meaningful Consent and Data Privacy

Referring to the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, Dhankhar noted the need for evolving data protection laws to meet the complexities introduced by AI.

“Consent that is not free is no consent in law. It cannot be buried in opaque and abstruse terms of service,” he said, pointing out that most users unknowingly relinquish their privacy due to unclear app policies.

He advocated strict enforcement of anonymisation, data minimisation, and purpose limitation to safeguard personal information.

AI: Innovation or Threat?

Comparing AI to nuclear power, Dhankhar stressed that while it can illuminate progress, it also holds the potential for immense destruction if left unregulated. He cautioned against the dangers of deep fakes, digital manipulation, and “wokeism”, warning that these could be weaponised in the absence of robust oversight.

“The genie is out of the bottle,” he said. “We must act before it becomes too late.”

The event was also attended by MPs Sudha Murthy, Rekha Sharma, and other dignitaries, highlighting the growing bipartisan focus on the ethical and regulatory dimensions of artificial intelligence in India.