New Delhi: At the India Internet Governance Forum (IIGF), Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), S Krishnan, delivered an insightful address on the evolving landscape of internet governance, artificial intelligence (AI), and infrastructure challenges. He underscored the transformative journey of the internet in India, the rising significance of AI, and the urgent need for robust infrastructure and data governance frameworks.
Reflecting on the past, Secretary Krishnan noted the shift from an era where the internet was a novelty to its current status as a foundational aspect of modern life. “Modes of communication have changed,” he said, emphasizing how digital-first policies now dominate. From emails being a rarity to their role as a primary communication mode, the internet’s ubiquity has reshaped governance and societal interactions. “Today, we have laws written as being digital-first,” he added, highlighting the criticality of securing and sustaining this digital backbone.
With over 955 million internet users in India, Krishnan stressed the duty to ensure that this critical infrastructure remains secure, resilient, and inclusive. “It is our responsibility to protect how the internet is used and ensure it benefits the largest number of people,” he said.
AI, Demand for Energy and Data Storage
The Secretary spotlighted the growing adoption of AI and the infrastructural challenges accompanying it. He began by saying: “It is all about, all the data that needs to be stored within this country to offer essential services…All the financial data, all the data which relates to power utilities, telecommunication utilities, a whole host of other data that is required for people to live their daily lives on a digitized basis…Do we have the data centre capacity within the control to store all of the data that we need?… Immediately it raises the issue of power capacity.”
“As we adopt AI more and more, the question of power availability becomes more crucial,” he noted, pointing to the rising energy demands of AI applications and data centres. MeitY, in collaboration with the Ministry of Power and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, is working on solutions to address this energy challenge. “We are planning for this capacity building, to make sure that we have enough power for the data centres and for the AI company facility that we need in this country,” he added.
Furthermore, the resilience of India’s internet infrastructure is another key concern, particularly with reliance on submarine cables. The Secretary called for robust domestic infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted access to essential services even in the face of disruptions.
Cybersecurity and Sustainability
Krishnan emphasized the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures to address the growing dependence on internet-based services. “Cybersecurity is becoming increasingly critical as interfaces rely more on the internet,” he stated. He also highlighted the role of international fora in shaping internet governance policies, urging Indian stakeholders to actively participate in global discussions.
Additionally, the Secretary also addressed the necessity for green and sustainable internet practices, particularly in light of AI’s substantial energy requirements. He advocated for developing standards and protocols that empower Indian stakeholders, ensuring their significant contribution to global internet governance. “We are at an inflection point in internet governance, and our stance must be clear,” he said.
Secretary Krishnan’s address underscored the multifaceted challenges and opportunities in India’s digital landscape. From embracing AI and expanding data storage to ensuring inclusivity and sustainability, his vision sets the stage for a resilient, inclusive, and secure digital future. As India prepares to participate in upcoming international discussions on internet governance, his call for proactive engagement resonates strongly with the nation’s digital ambitions.
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