Mandatory Ethical AI: Soha Ali Khan Ignites Passion for Responsible Innovation at AI Impact Summit | Must-Read Tech News!

Actor Soha Ali Khan voiced critical concerns regarding the dangers women face in an increasingly digital world during her address at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 on Monday. Emphasizing the urgent need for strong ethical safeguards in artificial intelligence (AI), Khan, an advocate for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), participated in a session titled “Reimagining Gender in Technology – Designing Safer Digital Futures and Advancing Ethical AI for Inclusive Platforms.” She discussed the transformative impact of technology on women’s opportunities across India.

Khan noted, “I’ve watched this transformation across India as well. Young women have built businesses online,” highlighting how digital platforms enable women to become entrepreneurs and share their experiences. She praised the role of digital literacy programs and online tools in fostering new avenues for learning and self-expression.

“AI is extraordinary. It improves healthcare access and expands education, helping to close maternal health gaps,” Khan said. Her observations reflect the potential of digital tools to empower women, providing them with the confidence to express themselves as storytellers.

However, Khan warned that the digital landscape is rife with biases and inequalities. “The digital world is not neutral. It reflects the society that builds it. And now AI is accelerating everything,” she explained. While acknowledging the numerous benefits of AI, she also underscored its misuse and dangers. “AI is making it faster, cheaper, and easier to impersonate someone, create deep fakes, manipulate images, and misuse personal data. Most women, unfortunately, don’t know how to fight back,” Khan lamented.

Emphasizing that the responsibility for ethical AI transcends mere technological concerns, she stated, “This is not just a tech issue. It is a mental health issue, a public health issue, and a human rights issue, which is why ethical AI is not optional. I would say it is mandatory.” Khan further outlined her vision for ethical AI, advocating for “safety by design, privacy by default, meaningful consent, clear reporting systems, and real accountability.”

Joining her in this discussion, Andrea Wojnar from UNFPA highlighted the pervasive lack of accountability in AI systems, labeling them as “unequal and biased.” She remarked, “AI is reshaping both risks and opportunities,” illustrating that while AI can enhance safety, issues of trust are equally crucial. Wojnar noted, “When people, especially women and girls, feel unsafe, online participation drops, narrowing the promise of the digital economy.”

The India AI Impact Summit, held from February 16 to 20 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, marks a significant gathering of global leaders, policymakers, and technology experts. As one of the first major AI events hosted in the Global South, it features prominent figures from the tech world, including Google’s Sundar Pichai, OpenAI’s Sam Altman, and leading Indian business magnates like Mukesh Ambani and N Chandrasekaran.

The discussions at the summit not only underscore the urgent need for ethical considerations in AI but also reveal the socio-economic implications of digital trust and participation. As advocates like Khan and Wojnar indicate, ensuring inclusive and equitable digital futures is vital for harnessing the transformative potential of technology for all, particularly for marginalized groups.

Original Source: https://www.business-standard.com/technology/tech-news/soha-ali-khan-india-ai-impact-summit-2026-ethical-artificial-intelligence-126021600338_1.html
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Publish Date: 2026-02-16 12:03:00