Global Efforts to Prevent Misuse of Artificial Intelligence

Prime Minister Modi calls for a global AI compact at the G20 Summit, emphasizing human-centric technology to combat deepfakes, crime, and terrorism through transparency and international cooperation.

Artificial intelligence is transforming how we live, work, and communicate. However, as AI becomes more powerful, world leaders are growing concerned about its potential for misuse. At the recent G20 Summit in Johannesburg, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took center stage to address these concerns and propose solutions that would protect humanity while allowing AI to flourish responsibly. His message was clear: AI must serve people, not profit margins or harmful purposes.

The Growing Need for Global AI Rules

The world has never faced a technology quite like artificial intelligence. It can revolutionize healthcare, education, and scientific research. Yet it can also be weaponized to deceive, manipulate, and harm. From fabricated videos to financial fraud, AI misuse is already affecting people around the globe. Prime Minister Modi emphasized that without proper international frameworks, these dangers will only intensify.

At the G20 session focusing on critical minerals, decent work, and artificial intelligence, Modi called for creating a global compact on AI. This is not a law imposed by a single country but rather a shared agreement among nations to govern AI responsibly. He explained that such a compact should include effective human oversight, safety-by-design principles, transparency requirements, and strict prohibitions on using AI for deepfakes, crime, and terrorism.​

Why Human-Centric AI Matters

Modi’s vision places humans at the center of AI development, not money or power. He stressed that artificial intelligence should enhance human capabilities, but the ultimate responsibility for important decisions must always remain with people. This philosophy addresses a fundamental concern: if we allow AI systems to make critical decisions about our lives without human supervision, we lose accountability and control.​

This human-centric approach differs significantly from how technology has been developed in the past. Historically, innovation has been driven by financial interests, with corporations focusing on what generates profit. Modi argued that the world must shift toward technology that is human-centric rather than finance-centric, global rather than national, and built on open-source models rather than exclusive platforms.​

Addressing the Deepfake Crisis

One of the most pressing concerns Modi highlighted is the rise of deepfakes. Deepfakes are artificial videos, images, or audio recordings created using AI to show people saying or doing things they never did. These can be used to spread misinformation, damage reputations, commit fraud, or manipulate public opinion. The technology has already been weaponized by criminals and malicious actors.​

The risks are immense. Fraudsters have used deepfakes to impersonate executives and convince employees to transfer money. Disinformation campaigns have used AI-generated content to fuel conflict and spread propaganda. The World Economic Forum projects that deepfake enabled fraud could cost organizations over forty billion dollars by 2027. Without international cooperation to combat this threat, the problem will only grow worse.​

Criminal Activities and Terrorist Exploitation

Beyond deepfakes, Modi raised concerns about AI being used for criminal activities and terrorism. Terrorist organizations are increasingly exploring how to exploit generative AI for recruitment, propaganda, and operational planning. They use AI to create convincing fake videos and images that radicalize vulnerable individuals and spread their ideologies worldwide.​

Criminal networks are also leveraging AI for sophisticated cyberattacks, financial fraud, and identity theft. Tools like malicious AI chatbots designed for criminal purposes are now available on dark web forums, making it easier for bad actors to launch attacks. The challenge is so serious that governments and international organizations now list AI misuse in criminal activities as a top security priority.​

The Four Pillars of Global AI Governance

Prime Minister Modi outlined core principles that should guide international AI governance. First, effective human oversight means that humans must remain in control of AI systems, especially those affecting human life, security, or public trust. Second, safety-by-design requires that AI systems be built with safety considerations from the start, not added afterward as an afterthought.​

Third, transparency ensures that people understand how AI systems work and can hold developers and users accountable. AI systems affecting public trust must be auditable and explainable. Fourth, strict prohibitions on harmful uses mean that the world must establish clear rules preventing AI from being used for deepfakes, crime, and terrorism.​

India’s Vision for Responsible AI Development

Modi emphasized that India has taken leadership in developing responsible AI. India’s approach rests on three pillars: equitable access to AI benefits, large-scale skills development for the population, and responsible deployment of technology. Under the India-AI Mission, the government is building accessible high-performance computing infrastructure so that AI benefits reach every district and every language, not just wealthy urban centers.​

This inclusive approach contrasts sharply with the current state of global AI development, where opportunities and resources are concentrated in a few hands. Modi warned that this concentration poses an obstacle to innovation and raises concerns for humanity as a whole.​

The Shift from Today’s Jobs to Tomorrow’s Capabilities

Modi highlighted an important reality: AI will fundamentally change the job market. Rather than asking how many jobs AI will eliminate, countries must focus on preparing their populations for the capabilities that tomorrow’s economy will require. He called for a global framework on talent mobility that allows skilled workers to move across borders more easily, ensuring that innovation happens rapidly and benefits are shared broadly.​

India’s AI Impact Summit: A Global Platform

To drive these ideas forward, India is hosting an AI Impact Summit in February 2026. The event will be themed “Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya,” which means welfare for all and happiness for all. This summit will bring together G20 nations and other global partners to build concrete frameworks for safe, trustworthy, and inclusive AI development.​

Why This Matters for Everyone

While AI governance might seem like a technical matter for governments and companies, it actually affects every person on Earth. The decisions made about how AI is governed will determine whether this powerful technology lifts humanity or threatens it. From healthcare to education to employment, AI will touch every aspect of our lives. Without proper oversight and international cooperation, AI misuse could undermine trust in institutions, spread devastating misinformation, and empower criminal and terrorist activities.

Conclusion

Artificial intelligence carries enormous promise, but it also brings real risks that no country can manage alone. Modi’s call at the G20 puts the focus where it belongs: on people, trust, and shared responsibility. His message shows that building guardrails for AI is not about slowing progress. It is about making sure innovation actually improves lives instead of creating new threats. The concerns he raised about deepfakes, cybercrime, and terrorist misuse are not theoretical. They are growing problems that demand coordinated action.

A global compact on AI would give countries a common foundation to handle these challenges. Clear rules, human oversight, and strong safety standards can help prevent the misuse of advanced systems while still supporting scientific and economic growth. India’s push for inclusive access, skill development, and open digital infrastructure offers a model for how AI can be developed fairly. As the world prepares for the AI Impact Summit in 2026, the choices leaders make will shape the future of work, security, and global cooperation. If nations work together, AI can be a force for progress. If they do not, its risks could outpace its benefits. The moment to act is now.

Source: Artificial illusion: Global governance challenges of deepfake technology & AI Cybersecurity Threats 2025: How to Survive the AI Arms Race

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