Report of the Event

The Centre of Excellence of Cyber Law of VSLLS, Vivekananda Institute of

Professional Studies conducted a seminar on “National Convention on
Responsible Artificial Intelligence Law and Ethics” in collaboration with Centre
for Intellectual Property Rights and VSLLS Pro Bono club. In this seminar, the
theme and relevance of responsible AI was highlighted throughout the views
expressed by our esteemed guests.

The felicitation ceremony commenced with SC Vats Sir presenting a bouquet to

Hon’ble Justice Mini Pushkarna, symbolizing admiration and respect. Following
this Rashmi Mam graciously drapeda shawl around Justice Pushkarna, signifying
warmth, and appreciation. Subba Rao Sir then presented a photo of Swami
Vivekananda, encapsulating the spirit of enlightenment and inspiration. The
ceremony culminated with the presentation of a peace plant, symbolizing
harmony, and goodwill. Subba Rao Sir initiated the proceedings with a respectful
greeting to Justice Pushkarna. In his address, he highlighted Justice Pushkarna
remarkable contributions to the nation, spanning over 25 years of dedicated
activism and legal practice. He commended her for her pivotal role in various
significant legal matters, including those pertaining to RTI, women reservation,
environmental consciousness, animal welfare, and the protection of rape victims.
Then for the first time any Institute in India issued a charter titled as Responsible
use of AI” based on 6 principles of responsible AI usage.Then there was
announcement of book titled “Aspects of Violence Against Women” From centre
for legal research and development, VSLLS. Taking the stage next, Subba Rao Sir
reflected on the founding principles of the institution in 2000, emphasizing its
commitment to professionalism, social relevance, and the pursuit of excellence.
He paid homage to Dr. SC Vats, underscoring the institution evolution and
enduring legacy. Finally, Mam took the podium, delivering an insightful discourse
on artificial intelligence (AI) and ethics. She elucidated on the Digital India Act,
highlighting its regulatory framework and the collaborative efforts between NITI
Aayog and the Ministry of IT. Mam proudly announced the institution pioneering
initiative in formulating the first charter on AI and its convention in India.
Referencing the landmark Puttaswamy judgment on data privacy, Ma’am
underscored the significance of data protection legislation. As the chief guest,
Justice Pushkarna expressed gratitude towards VSLLS and VIPS TC for their
ground breaking endeavour in AI ethics. She delved into the essence of AI,
elucidating its capacity to emulate human behaviour and problem-solving skills.
Drawing upon various examples, she illustrated s transformative impact across
diverse sectors, from healthcare and education to daily household appliances.
Emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between society and technology, Mam
stressed the importance of balancing innovation with ethical responsibility. She
highlighted AI role in revolutionizing the legal profession, citing interventions
such as e-court systems, online case filings, and digitized judgments, which have
streamlined legal operations for enhanced efficiency and accessibility.

Technical Session

The technical session was inaugurated with a gracious welcome address and
facilitation by Rashmi Salpekar, the esteemed Dean of VSLLS, setting the stage
for an enlightening discourse on the intricacies of modern technology and its
ethical implications. Dr. Karnika Seth, a distinguished authority in the field,
commenced the proceedings by delving into the paramount issue of data
protection in our rapidly digitizing world. With a thought-provoking question on
the wisdom of intelligent machines, she sparked a contemplative atmosphere,
urging attendees to ponder the ethical dimensions of AI. Drawing from a landmark
case involving Google Book algorithms and copyright disputes, Dr. Seth
navigated through the complex interplay between artificial intelligence and
intellectual property rights, shedding light on the intricate legal precedents that
govern this burgeoning field. In her exposition, Dr. Seth also illuminated the
enigmatic & quotable box & quot; scenario, where the inner workings of AI
systems remain inscrutable, raising pertinent concerns regarding accountability
and transparency. She passionately advocated for stringent data protection
legislation, citing potential penalties of up to 250 crore, and stressed the
imperative of addressing issues such as algorithmic bias and fairness. Her
insightful analysis underscored the symbiotic relationship between AI and ethics,
emphasizing the need for a harmonious coexistence. Following Dr. Seth
compelling presentation,

Utpal Chakraborty took the podium to expound upon the concept of responsible
automation in an era characterized by unprecedented technological advancement.
Drawing parallels to Google groundbreaking achievements in quantum
computing, he elucidated on the profound implications of quantum supremacy
and its ramifications for AI development. Chakraborty delineated three primary
challenges facing the ethical deployment of AI: operational bias, ethical
considerations, and the pervasive influence of the dark web. His erudite discourse
underscored the ethical imperative of navigating the intricate landscape of
automation with prudence and foresight.

Next, Priyanka Waleshqa took center stage, offering a comprehensive overview

of responsible AI governance frameworks and legislative initiatives. With a keen
focus on the National Strategy for AI and sector-specific regulations, she outlined
the concerted efforts of the government in fostering an ethical AI ecosystem.
Waleshqa elucidation of data protection laws and intellectual property rights
underscored the critical importance of regulatory mechanisms in safeguarding
individual privacy and fostering innovation.
Professor Uday Birje concluded the session with a sobering reflection on the
dangers posed by unchecked AI proliferation. Highlighting the exponential
growth in data usage and the ethical implications of AI-driven applications, he
cautioned against the potential pitfalls of unchecked technological advancement.
Birje impassioned plea for collective responsibility resonated deeply,
underscoring the need for a balanced approach to AI deployment that prioritizes
ethical considerations and societal well-being. The session concluded with a
vibrant question-and-answer segment, fostering lively dialogue and critical
reflection on the ethical dimensions of AI and automation in contemporary
society. As attendees departed, they carried with them a newfound appreciation
for the complex interplay between technology and ethics, inspired to navigate the
evolving landscape with wisdom and foresight.