3rd October 2024, Kathmandu
A discussion session on the government’s recently released “Artificial Intelligence (AI) Concept Paper” was successfully concluded yesterday in Kathmandu.
Discussion on AI Concept Paper
Organized by the Federation of Computer Association Nepal (CAN Federation), the program brought together stakeholders and experts from various fields to deliberate on the concept paper. While many welcomed the paper, participants highlighted several key issues that were missing from it.
The event witnessed participation from individuals interested in AI usage, regulation, and management, including academics, IT professionals, lawyers, service providers, and digital rights activists. The primary objective was to gather feedback and suggestions from the participants, which would later be compiled into a report and submitted to the government. Speakers agreed that AI regulation is crucial but emphasized that it should not be stifled by over-regulation.
Gaps Identified in the AI Concept Paper
AI is a transformative force in education, capable of revolutionizing how we teach and learn by personalizing experiences and bridging gaps in access. For Nepal, integrating AI into the education system is not just an opportunity but a necessity as we strive for quality education for all. By embracing AI, we can empower our students to thrive in a future where technology and education are deeply intertwined, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of lifelong learning.” – Prof. Dr. Subarna Shakya, President of the Center for Cyber Security Research and Innovation.
Dr. Bhojraj Ghimire from Nepal Open University acknowledged the concept paper as a welcome initiative but noted that it is too theoretical and lacks practical details. He pointed out that despite AI being data-driven, the paper does not address critical aspects such as data standardization, sharing, cleansing, and privacy. These elements are essential for the development and deployment of AI technologies in Nepal.
Similarly, Sanjina Chhetri from Digital Rights Nepal raised concerns about the lack of attention to data protection in the concept paper. She also highlighted that the paper does not clearly define the roles of the federal, provincial, and local governments in AI governance, despite Nepal’s transition to a federal system.
Concerns on the Future Direction of AI Regulation
Former DIG of Nepal Police and Advisor of Information Security Response Team Nepal (npCert), Rajib Subba, reflected on the past, recalling that the Electronic Transactions Act, originally intended to promote e-commerce, was later repurposed to regulate cybercrime. He warned that if the current discourse on AI is not guided in the right direction, it could lead to similar confusion in the future.
Prabesh Subedi, the founder of Digital Media Foundation, stressed the need for a dedicated regulatory body for AI but opposed placing it under the Ministry of Communications. He expressed concerns that such a move might infringe on the jurisdiction of other ministries and government bodies, thereby complicating the federal governance system.
Recommendations for Improvement
Other speakers, including Samir Kharel from Global College International, Umesh Raghubanshi from CAN Federation, and Nischal Regmi from Everest Engineering College, offered valuable insights. They emphasized the need for a more inclusive approach that recognizes Nepal’s cultural and linguistic diversity and the roles of provincial and local governments in AI governance.
To ensure the feedback is actionable, the CAN Federation has assigned Prof. Sudan Jha from Kathmandu University’s Department of Computer Science, Ganga Bhandari, a CAN Federation women in iCT Committee Co-chair, and Diksha Raut, who is involved in the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts’ Internet Safety Program, to prepare a report based on the discussions. This report will be submitted to the Ministry, according to CAN General Secretary Chiranjibi Adhikari, who is also the coordinator of the AI concept paper.
This initiative is a step forward in shaping the future of AI in Nepal, ensuring that it aligns with global standards while addressing the local needs and governance structure.
Nepal is rapidly embracing AI across key sectors, revolutionizing agriculture by optimizing crop yields, aiding biodiversity conservation through ecosystem monitoring, and improving disaster management with AI-driven predictions and response strategies. In healthcare, AI is enhancing remote medical access and diagnostics, while in tourism, AI-powered tools are boosting visitor experiences and preserving cultural heritage. As Chiranjibi Adhikari, General Secretary of the Federation of Computer Association Nepal, notes, AI is shaping the future of the country of Nepal.
For more: Discussion on AI Concept Paper