SOCIETY FOR ETHICAL GENAI
AND OPEN RESEARCH INDIA
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries, governance, and daily life at an unprecedented pace, with Generative AI (GenAI) at the forefront of this
revolution. GenAI, which enables machines to create new content—text, images, music, and even code—presents tremendous opportunities but also brings
significant ethical, societal, and cognitive challenges. In the Indian context, rapid digital transformation, driven by initiatives like NITI Aayog’s National AI
Strategy and the Digital India Program, has accelerated the adoption of AI across sectors. However, there remains a critical gap in high-quality interdisciplinary
research that addresses the broader implications of these technologies, particularly from an ethical and societal perspective.
To bridge this gap, our research forum seeks to become a leading hub for interdisciplinary foundational research on GenAI, aiming to inform the creation of
ethical standards, regulatory frameworks, and responsible AI policies. Our mission is to bring together experts from diverse fields—such as technology, ethics,
law, sociology, psychology, and public policy—to explore the far-reaching impacts of GenAI on society, human cognition, mental health, and social structures.
By fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government, we aim to create a comprehensive understanding of AI's potential and its risks,
ensuring its integration into society benefits all.
The pressing need for this research stems from the fact that AI’s deployment often outpaces regulatory and ethical frameworks, leaving gaps in responsible
governance and public trust. Our initiative will not only address these gaps through rigorous research but also act as a think tank and consultative body for
policymakers, industries, and educational institutions. We will provide actionable insights and frameworks for the responsible adoption and regulation of AI
technologies in India.
Through workshops, seminars, public consultations, and partnerships with government bodies and international institutions, we will ensure our findings are
accessible and impactful, helping shape a future where AI is used ethically, inclusively, and for the common good. This forum will serve as a vital force in
ensuring that India becomes a global leader in AI governance, by driving both innovation and responsibility.
BACKGROUND
India is experiencing a surge in AI adoption, however, there is a lack of in-depth,
interdisciplinary research that addresses the ethical, societal, and cognitive
challenges brought by AI. AI is already being deployed in critical areas like
governance, healthcare, agriculture, and education. Yet, these implementations are
often tech-centric, with insufficient examination of the broader socio-cultural,
legal, and psychological consequences. A focused research forum is needed to:
Develop ethical frameworks to guide responsible AI usage.
Analyse the social and mental health impacts of widespread AI adoption.
Ensure cultural alignment of AI technology to India’s diverse societal landscape.
Address cognitive implications for users, especially when interacting with AI
tools like GenAI.
This forum would be the bridge between policy, technology, and human values,
shaping India’s unique approach to AI governance.
Mission
Our mission is to advance interdisciplinary research on Generative AI (GenAI) by
bringing together experts from diverse fields—such as technology, ethics, law,
sociology, psychology, and public policy—to comprehensively explore its societal,
cognitive, and ethical implications. We aim to inform the development of
responsible policies, ethical frameworks, and regulatory standards for AI
adoption in India. By fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and
government, we seek to build a strong knowledge base that ensures AI
technologies are integrated into society in a manner that promotes innovation,
safeguards public welfare, and reflects India's unique socio-cultural context.
Through research, public engagement, and expert consultation, our forum aspires
to shape the future of AI for the common good.
Vision
Our vision is to become a leading think tank and research hub that shapes the future
of AI by fostering ethical, responsible, and inclusive AI development. We aim to
collaborate with government bodies, industries, and academic institutions to create
policies and frameworks that ensure the safe and beneficial integration of Generative
AI (GenAI) into society. Our forum will spearhead foundational interdisciplinary
research, build public awareness, and engage in global collaborations to establish
India as a key player in the global AI ecosystem. By prioritizing the societal,
cognitive, and ethical implications of AI, we envision a future where AI technologies
are harnessed for the betterment of all, ensuring equity, sustainability, and well-being
across diverse communities.
Interdisciplinary Approach
GenAI impacts not just technology, but society, law, ethics, psychology, and public
policy. To fully understand its far-reaching effects, experts from various disciplines must
work together to provide a comprehensive view. Technologists can explain how GenAI
works, but understanding its ethical implications, its effects on mental health and
cognition, its legal ramifications, and its societal consequences requires input from
ethicists, psychologists, sociologists, legal scholars, and policy makers. Each discipline
brings unique insights and solutions to the table, ensuring that the research is well-
rounded, addressing both the potential benefits and risks of GenAI. This collaborative
approach enables us to create responsible frameworks, informed policies, and ethical
guidelines that ensure AI is developed and used in a way that benefits society as a whole
while minimizing harm. Interdisciplinary research also fosters innovation by combining
diverse perspectives, leading to more nuanced, well-informed decisions about the future
of AI in India and globally.
KEY RESEARCH
THEMES
To explore the ethical challenges associated with the deployment
01 and use of Generative AI. The research will focus on addressing
concerns such as algorithmic bias, privacy protection,
01 misinformation, and the potential misuse of AI-generated content.
By developing ethical frameworks and governance models, this
ETHICS AND research will provide actionable recommendations to ensure that
GOVERNANCE GenAI is utilized in a manner that upholds societal values and
OF GENAI human rights.
02 To focuses on understanding the broader societal impacts of
GenAI, particularly its influence on human cognition, behavior,
and mental well-being. It will investigate how interaction with AI
systems affects decision-making processes, social relationships, and
IMPACT ON
cultural dynamics. Furthermore, it will analyze the societal
SOCIETY AND consequences of integrating GenAI into various sectors, such as
HUMAN education, employment, and communication.
COGNITION
03 Legal and regulatory considerations are critical for the responsible
use of GenAI. This is to study the legal implications of GenAI in
areas such as intellectual property rights, data privacy, and liability.
The research will assess existing legal frameworks and propose new
LEGAL AND regulations to ensure GenAI technologies are safely and ethically
REGULATORY deployed. It will also consider how these frameworks can be
FRAMEWORKS tailored to address the specific legal and cultural context of India.
04
India’s cultural and linguistic diversity presents unique challenges
and opportunities for AI adoption. We need to focus on ensuring
that GenAI systems are developed and implemented in ways that
CULTURAL AND are sensitive to the cultural, regional, and socio-economic diversity
of the Indian population. The goal is to promote inclusive and
SOCIETAL
accessible AI solutions that address the needs of various
CONTEXT IN AI
communities while ensuring equitable outcomes.
ADOPTION
05 Establishing and maintaining public trust is essential for the
successful integration of GenAI into society. We need to explore
mechanisms to enhance transparency in AI systems, ensuring that
AI-generated decisions are explainable and accountable. The
PUBLIC TRUST
research will focus on strategies to foster public confidence in
AND
GenAI technologies, promoting trust through clear communication
TRANSPARENCY
of AI processes and outcomes.
IN AI SYSTEMS
06 To examine how GenAI can be leveraged to address critical societal
challenges and promote social equity. By investigating the potential
of AI to contribute to sectors such as healthcare, education,
agriculture, and governance, the research will focus on ensuring that
AI FOR PUBLIC
the benefits of GenAI are accessible to all segments of society,
GOOD AND
particularly marginalized communities. This theme will also explore
SOCIAL EQUITY
how AI can be used to reduce inequality and enhance public welfare.
APPLICATIONS
AND IMPACTS
Policy Development Frameworks for AI Foundational
Adoption and Usage Research
The forum aim to collaborate with
government bodies to shape AI The forum will develop As a research hub, the forum will
policies, regulatory standards, and comprehensive frameworks for the conduct cutting-edge
ethical frameworks that ensure the ethical adoption of GenAI in interdisciplinary research on the
responsible deployment of Generative critical areas such as healthcare, cognitive, societal, and ethical
AI in India. It will provide evidence- education, agriculture, and implications of GenAI. This
based recommendations for the safe governance. These frameworks will foundational knowledge will inform
and equitable use of AI across various guide industries and institutions on policymakers, technologists, and
sectors. how to integrate AI technologies academics about AI’s broader
while addressing challenges like impacts on society, human
bias, misinformation, and data behavior, and mental health.
privacy.
Consultation and Public Global
Expert Advisory Engagement Collaborations
To foster collaboration and raise The forum will engage in
Acting as a think tank, the forum will partnerships with international
awareness, the forum will host
provide consultation services to academic institutions, industries,
workshops, seminars, panel
government agencies, industries, and and organizations to foster global
discussions, and public
educational institutions. It will offer cooperation on AI research. By
consultations. These events will
expert advice on implementing AI staying connected with international
bring together experts from diverse
technologies in ways that build public developments, the forum will ensure
fields and engage the public in
trust and ensure alignment with that India remains at the forefront
discussions about the benefits and
ethical standards and societal well- of AI innovation while maintaining
risks of AI, ensuring widespread AI
being. ethical integrity.
literacy.
THE PROCESS
Research topics will be introduced by me, potentially in collaboration with educational institutions, industry partners, or other organizations in the whatsapp
group with the formal draft for the same.
Members can propose their own research topics by submitting a formal draft. This draft should include:
Research Topic
Objectives
Hypothesis
Literature Review (with minimum of 6 citations)
Methodology
Research drafts must be sent to the following email: [email protected]
Submitted proposals will be reviewed and refined as needed, for the selection.
After the selection, a message will be sent to the whatsapp/slack group regarding the selected proposals.
Members who are interested in collaborating will be requested to express their interest in becoming co-authors. Interested individuals must read up on the
topic and develop their own understanding.
A call will be scheduled with all interested individuals to discuss their insights and perspectives on the topic.
Based on the discussion, the first author will select the co-authors for the research project
A Slack group will be created for the selected co-authors to facilitate communication and collaboration throughout the research process.
CODE OF CONDUCT
Adherence to Research Ethics:
All members must adhere to the following compulsory rules of research ethics:
Integrity: Conduct research honestly and transparently, avoiding fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism.
Respect for Participants: Ensure informed consent, confidentiality, and the right to withdraw from the study at any time.
Objectivity: Avoid bias in research design, implementation, and reporting, ensuring that findings are reported accurately and without misrepresentation.
Accountability: Acknowledge and address any conflicts of interest that may arise during the research process.
Compliance with Regulations: Follow all institutional, local, and national guidelines relevant to the research topic, including ethical approval when necessary.
Point of Contact:
The first authors of research proposals will serve as the primary points of contact for their respective projects. They will also act as the decision-makers in
selecting their initial co-authors.
Sent a mail to - [email protected], for complaints, feedback and suggestions for improvement.
Communication and Collaboration:
All members are expected to communicate respectfully and constructively during discussions, ensuring a collaborative and supportive environment.
Members must respect the confidentiality of research ideas and findings shared within the forum. Any intellectual property developed during the research
process will be acknowledged appropriately.
THANK YOU!
