Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that it was essential for democracies to work together in the area of future technology and develop technical standards and norms for data governance and for "cross-border flow that protect and secure data". Addressing the inaugural Sydney Dialogue, Modi said that while the advantages of future tech are many, nations must also work together to protect themselves from the dangers that future tech brings with itself, including the manipulation of public opinion, alluding to the ill-effects of social media.

“It is essential for democracies to work together, to invest together in research and development in future tech, to develop trusted manufacturing base and trusted supply chains, to deepen intelligence and operational cooperation on cyber security, protect critical information infrastructure, to prevent manipulation of public opinions, to develop technical and governance standards and norms consistent with our democratic values, and to create standards and norms for data governance and for cross border flow that protect and secure data,” he said.

“It should also recognize national rights and at the same time promote trade, investment and larger public good,” Modi was quoted by UNI news agency as saying. 

Citing the example of cryptocurrency, he said: “Take cryptocurrency or bitcoin for example – it is important that all democratic nations work together on this and ensure it does not end up in wrong hands that can spoil our youth.”

Modi said that the world must make its choices with regard to future tech: “We are at a historic moment of choice –whether all the wonderful powers of technology of our age will be instruments of cooperation or conflict, coercion or choice, domination or development, operation or opportunity.”

He said that India, Australia and the partners in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond are “prepared to rise to fulfill our responsibilities”.

He said that the invitation to address the inaugural Sydney Dialogue was a “recognition of India’s central role in the Indo-Pacific region and the emerging digital world”

“It is also a tribute to the comprehensive strategic partnership between India-Australia which is a force of good for the region and the world.”

He voiced confidence that the Sydney Dialogue will be “a wonderful platform to help shape our partnership for this age and fulfill our responsibility for the future of our nations and the world.” (SAM)