“Explore the complex interplay between artificial intelligence, human rights, and cultural sensitivity in India as Google’s actions raise concerns about moral judgment and cultural imposition. Discover the potential impact of AI on human rights and how India must strike a balance between combating child pornography and preserving its rich cultural heritage. The blog delves into the challenges of protecting cultural values while addressing global issues.”

In recent times, discussions surrounding the impact of artificial intelligence on human rights have gained significant attention, particularly in the context of the power sector. India’s Prime Minister, Mr. Modi, has raised concerns about “ethical considerations,” “algorithm bias,” and their effects on society, emphasizing the need to address the imposition of Western social constructs on Indian social institutions. One striking example of this invasion relates to the troubling issue of child pornography and its repercussions on Indian culture.

Google’s Monopoly and the Erosion of Human Rights

With Google’s virtual monopoly on the internet, India is vulnerable to the imposition of Western values on its culture. A recent incident in Ahmedabad highlights a peculiar complaint filed with the police involving a young techie who found himself barred from all Google paid services due to an alleged invasion of his human rights by artificial intelligence, possibly mixed with racial bias.

This young man, at the request of his parents, uploaded family photos to Google’s platform, which included innocent childhood memories. However, the use of artificial intelligence by Google to identify and flag child sexual abuse material (CSAM) led to a shocking outcome. Some of these family photos, which captured the innocent moments of infancy, were flagged as child pornography due to the child’s nudity.

Google’s AI-driven process involves flagging potential CSAM, which is then reviewed by a human supervisor to determine its nature. This process raises concerns about the violation of human rights and privacy, as it allows personal and sensitive data to be assessed by an individual on behalf of an AI.

Cultural Sensitivity and Moral Guardianship

The issue arises from the fact that Google, headquartered in the United States, may not fully understand or appreciate the cultural nuances and social institutions prevalent in India. In India, the relationship between parents and their infant children is not socially identified as sexual in nature. Therefore, the subjective judgment of a Google employee from a different cultural context can lead to misunderstandings and cultural insensitivity.

Protecting Human Rights and Culture

While there is universal agreement on the need to combat child pornography, it is essential to ensure that the fight against it does not lead to an erosion of cultural values and social institutions specific to each country. Artificial intelligence should not be allowed to dictate morality or infringe on human rights.

Google’s Repressive Ideals

Google, as a privately-owned business, provides paid services to users. It should not assume the role of a moral authority that imposes its own values on society. The incident in India is not isolated, as Google’s AI-driven CSAM platform has faced similar issues even in the United States. However, in such cases abroad, there has been some semblance of justice, although jurisprudence in this area is still evolving.

Bharat’s Call to Action

India must take proactive steps to address these challenges. Google should not be allowed to impose its distorted views on the nature of parent-child relationships and human rights in India. It is imperative to develop a jurisprudence that protects cultural values and institutions while combatting the evil of child pornography. As a nation with a rich cultural heritage, India must base its actions on its social institutions and not Google’s judgment of what constitutes child pornography.

The intersection of artificial intelligence, human rights, and cultural sensitivity poses a unique challenge in a globalized world. Google’s moral dilemmas in Bharat serve as a stark reminder that the fight against child pornography must be waged while preserving cultural values and human rights. It is essential to ensure that AI serves as a tool and not a moral preacher, respecting the diverse social institutions that make each nation unique. India’s actions in this regard will set an important precedent for the future.