jaishankar-warns-of-potential-risks-of-emerging-technologies

Foreign intervention efforts through the cyber Domain are increasing, according to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who raised a warning on Saturday over the threats that emerging technologies like deepfakes and artificial intelligence pose to national security.

During a dialogue at a think tank, Jaishankar said there is a need to guard against threats emanating from the cyber domain.

"When we think of security, it is not just the defence of the borders, it is not countering terrorism alone.... But there is the daily routine which is so susceptible today to manipulation and this is growing," he said.

"I would say frankly, in many ways, today foreign interference in this country is growing. It is important for the average person to understand how the world is changing because it is an era of AI (artificial intelligence) and deepfakes," Jaishankar said.

Speaking at the Ananta Aspen Centre, "They will not come out of thin air. They are today at a certain level. There was a whole culture and a process which has allowed it to happen," he said.

Jaishankar was questioned if India is becoming a surveillance state, as the number of security concerns to the average Indian has grown rapidly.

"It is not a question of being paranoid. I mean, there are real problems out there. It is not again a question of surveillance. There is a certain responsibility that the state has. Let us not confuse anarchy and irresponsibility with freedom," he said.