The G20 Conference on Crime and Security in the Age of NFTs, AI and Metaverse held in Gurugram successfully concluded with the release of the Chair's Summary today. The conference aimed to address the challenges posed by cybercrime and security in the era of new technologies like NFTs, AI, and Metaverse. Addressing the valedictory session, Union Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, cyber-attacks are posing serious and complex challenges at every level. Exhorting on global cooperation, he said, efforts must be taken to increase cyber awareness and frame robust rules and digital infrastructure to protect individuals, organizations and society.
During his address, the Minister highlighted the efforts taken by the government to build robust digital public infrastructure for ease of living and reduce the digital divide. Mentioning the merits of the Digital India programme, Mr. Vaishnaw said, the government's focus is to democratize technology by providing access to the internet to every person in the country. He said, several billion dollars have been spent on laying optical fiber and much more will be spent under the Bharat Net.
During the conference, delegates from G20 countries, invitee countries, international organizations, and other participants discussed various subjects including Internet Governance – Digital Public Infrastructure, Extended Reality, Metaverse, Artificial Intelligence, the Dark Net and Cryptocurrency Challenges, and Criminal Use of Information and Communication Technologies. Recognising that the world is more digitally connected than ever, which presents opportunities to malicious online actors who exploit new technologies to harm individuals, societies, businesses, and governments, the delegates discussed ways and means to contain the misuse of NFTs, AI, and Metaverse technologies.
The conference emphasized the importance of preventing the use of ICTs by state and non-state actors for terrorist purposes. It also highlighted the need for international cooperation, sharing of information, and mutual legal assistance to combat cybercrime effectively. Transparent and accountable governance frameworks for AI were also discussed. The conference stressed the need for an open, secure, and peaceful ICT environment, protecting individuals, especially women and children, from online exploitation. The importance of countering advanced persistent threats and establishing comprehensive international conventions on ICT crimes was also emphasized.
Identifying partnerships between industry and organizations as an essential tool for ensuring secure technology development and deployment, the participating experts recommended capacity building, public-private partnerships, awareness, and education as crucial in addressing the gaps in cyber resilience and security. The participants appreciated India's G20 Presidency for providing a platform to discuss these important issues.
