Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday said the international community must jointly shape global norms for technology such as “social media and cryptocurrencies” so that they are used to empower democracy, “not undermine it”.
Prime Minister Modi made these remarks at the first Summit for Democracy convened by US President Joe Biden on Friday. These come amid a tussle between the government and social media firms on multiple issues including content and freedom of speech. A day earlier, Modi had said — at a closed-door session on the first day of the summit — that given technology’s ability to affect democracy positively or negatively, “technology companies should contribute to preserving open and democratic societies”.
On Friday, delivering the national statement, the Prime Minister said: “Today’s assembly provides a timely platform for furthering cooperation among democracies. India would be happy to share its expertise in holding free and fair elections, and in enhancing transparency in all areas of governance through innovative digital solutions. We must also jointly shape global norms for emerging technologies like social media and cryptocurrencies, so that they are used to empower democracy, not to undermine it.”