How Should Governments Regulate Artificial Intelligence?
October 22, 2025 2025-10-27 18:57How Should Governments Regulate Artificial Intelligence?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping how societies function — from automating industries to transforming decision-making in government, healthcare, and education.
However, as AI becomes more powerful and pervasive, questions around accountability, ethics, and transparency have come to the forefront. This is where AI governance and government regulation of AI play a crucial role.
In today’s policy landscape, developing an effective AI governance framework has become a priority for governments worldwide. Understanding these frameworks is vital for public policy professionals who aim to shape the future of ethical technology.
The MA Public Policy Online programme offered by Jindal School of Government and Public Policy (JSGP) equips learners with the analytical and policy-making skills necessary to navigate this evolving domain.
What Is AI Governance?
AI governance refers to the structures, policies, and ethical standards that guide the responsible development and use of artificial intelligence. It ensures that AI systems are designed and deployed in a manner that upholds transparency, accountability, and human rights.
An effective AI governance framework focuses on:
- Ethical and fair decision-making in AI systems.
- Preventing algorithmic bias and discrimination.
- Protecting user data and ensuring privacy.
- Promoting transparency in AI-driven outcomes.
By establishing clear rules, governments can create an environment where innovation flourishes while safeguarding citizens’ rights.
Why AI Needs Government Oversight?
AI can bring immense benefits, but without proper oversight, it can also amplify inequalities, spread misinformation, or threaten privacy. Government regulation of AI is necessary to:
- Prevent unethical use of AI in surveillance or misinformation campaigns.
- Ensure AI tools used in hiring, lending, or healthcare are unbiased.
- Protect citizens from the misuse of personal data.
However, overregulation could slow down innovation. Thus, governments must balance control with flexibility — fostering a space for responsible innovation through a well-crafted AI policy for governments.
Global Landscape of AI Regulation
AI Regulation Models Around the World
Different nations are adopting distinct approaches to artificial intelligence regulation:
- European Union (EU): The EU AI Act uses a risk-based model — classifying AI applications as low, high, or unacceptable risk. It is one of the most comprehensive attempts at AI governance.
- United States: The U.S. relies on sector-specific regulations and industry self-regulation, emphasizing innovation and competitiveness.
- China: AI policy is tightly integrated with national strategies, focusing on state control, data sovereignty, and technological dominance.
- India: India is developing its AI policy for governments, focusing on inclusive growth, data protection, and ethical frameworks for emerging technologies.
Lessons for the Global South
For countries in the Global South, AI offers opportunities for economic growth and improved public service delivery. However, these nations must design AI governance frameworks suited to their socio-economic realities. Context-specific policies, guided by ethical principles and local needs, can ensure equitable technological development.
Key Principles for Effective AI Governance Frameworks
- Ethical and Transparent AI
Transparency in AI systems builds public trust. Governments should:
- Mandate algorithmic explainability.
- Implement regular AI audits for accountability.
- Protect citizens through robust data privacy laws.
- Human-Centered and Inclusive Approach
AI should enhance human welfare, not replace it. A people-first policy ensures:
- AI systems respect diversity and human rights.
- Vulnerable groups are not excluded from technological progress.
- Citizens are actively involved in shaping AI policy for governments.
- Regulatory Flexibility and Adaptability
Given how fast AI evolves, government regulation of AI must remain dynamic:
- Introduce experimental “sandboxes” for AI innovation testing.
- Encourage collaboration between tech companies, policymakers, and academia.
- Continuously update regulations to align with technological advancements.
The Role of Governments in Shaping AI Policy
Building Institutional Capacity
Governments need skilled policymakers who understand both technology and ethics. Strengthening institutional capacity involves:
- Investing in public policy courses online that address emerging tech governance.
- Training policymakers in data ethics, digital law, and algorithmic accountability.
- Partnering with leading academic institutions like Jindal School of Government and Public Policy (JSGP) to develop research-backed AI policies.
International Cooperation and Global Standards
AI is a global issue — no single country can regulate it effectively in isolation. Governments must:
- Collaborate on shared AI governance frameworks and data protection standards.
- Participate in multilateral organizations to ensure fairness and interoperability.
- Balance national interests with international cooperation to build a global AI ecosystem based on trust and ethics.
Challenges in Government Regulation of AI
Despite growing awareness, regulating AI remains a complex challenge. Key barriers include:
- Rapid innovation: Policymaking often lags behind technological development.
- Data limitations: Inadequate infrastructure for managing large datasets.
- Ethical dilemmas: Balancing AI autonomy with human oversight.
- Capacity constraints: Shortage of trained professionals in AI policy.
Addressing these challenges requires interdisciplinary collaboration, robust education, and continuous learning — areas where a Master’s degree in Public Policy online can make a real difference.
AI Governance and the Future of Public Policy Education
How Public Policy Professionals Can Shape AI Regulation?
Future policymakers must understand both the opportunities and risks of AI. Through the Online MA in Public Policy programme at JSGP, learners develop:
- Skills to assess the societal impact of AI technologies.
- The ability to craft balanced AI governance frameworks.
- A deeper understanding of ethics, governance, and institutional dynamics.
Graduates are equipped to design AI policies that promote innovation while protecting human rights.
About the MA Public Policy (Online) Programme at JSGP
The MA Public Policy Online offered by the Jindal School of Government and Public Policy (JSGP) is a UGC-recognized programme designed for working professionals. This Master’s degree in Public Policy online takes an interdisciplinary approach to address modern policy challenges — including AI governance, climate change, and public sector reform.
Students gain practical exposure to policy analysis, formulation, and evaluation within the development and institutional contexts of the Global South — preparing them to lead conversations on ethical governance in the AI era.
Conclusion
As AI technologies continue to evolve, government regulation of AI must keep pace with innovation. Effective AI governance frameworks should emphasize ethics, inclusivity, and adaptability to ensure technology serves humanity.
The future of policymaking lies at the intersection of technology and governance — and the MA Public Policy Online at Jindal School of Government and Public Policy empowers learners to shape that future.
Become a policymaker who understands the language of technology.
Explore JSGP’s Online MA in Public Policy and build the expertise to design ethical, inclusive, and forward-looking AI policies.
