AI literacy in schools critical as India balances innovation with child safety

With artificial intelligence rapidly becoming embedded in everyday life, India must take a dual approach to harness its benefits while protecting vulnerable users, according to Cathy Li, Head of the Centre for AI Excellence at the World Economic Forum.

Li emphasised that while AI presents both opportunities and risks on a global scale, solutions must be tailored to local contexts. India's particular diversity—spanning multiple languages, cultural practices, connectivity levels, and varying degrees of digital literacy—requires AI systems to be rigorously tested across these different parameters before deployment.

In an interview, Li highlighted the need for AI platforms to function effectively across India's diverse linguistic landscape and different device access levels. She stressed that safeguards must be built into AI systems from inception, with safety, agency, inclusion, and accountability serving as core design principles rather than afterthoughts.

According to a recently released whitepaper co-authored by Li titled "Children's Safety and Well-Being in the Age of AI: Best Practices and Incentives," artificial intelligence can deliver substantial benefits to India's young population, but only if proper protections are embedded throughout the development process. The report recommends that technology companies be incentivised to prioritise child safety measures alongside innovation, particularly given India's large youth population and expanding digital adoption.