Government Launches Initiatives on World Consumer Rights Day, Focused on Ethical AI and Consumer Welfare

Mumbai:  The Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA), Government of India, celebrated World Consumer Rights Day today in Mumbai, marking the occasion with the inauguration of several key initiatives aimed at promoting fair and responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) practices in consumer affairs. The event was graced by the presence of Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Textiles, and Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal.

This year’s theme, “Fair and Responsible AI for Consumers,” underscored DoCA’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance consumer experiences while upholding ethical standards. Speaking at the event,  Piyush Goyal emphasized the importance of ethical AI deployment, stating, “Artificial Intelligence is a tool with immense potential, and when used ethically, it can bring about transformative changes in various facets of society.”

Among the highlights of the event was the felicitation of the winners of the Dark Patterns Buster Hackathon 2023, a collaborative effort between DoCA and IIT (BHU) aimed at promoting transparency and consumer welfare in the digital sphere. Additionally, accolades were bestowed upon the winners of the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Government Law College Pondicherry University Moot Court Competition, which focused on issues of product liability and endorsement liability, engaging participants from across India.

In his address, Goyal reiterated the government’s commitment to prioritizing consumer interests in policymaking, citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s steadfast dedication to consumer welfare. He emphasized the need for businesses and industries to prioritize consumer satisfaction, underscoring the issuance of the Consumer Rights Framework as a significant step towards empowering consumers and holding service providers accountable.

Highlighting the government’s proactive stance on governance, Shri Goyal outlined initiatives aimed at addressing challenges such as price rise and ensuring consumer prosperity. He envisioned a “Viksit Bharat” or Developed India by 2047, emphasizing the importance of leveraging India’s rich heritage and traditions in the journey towards progress.

The event also saw virtual participation from Minister of State for Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Rural Development, Smt. Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, who emphasized the importance of collective efforts in safeguarding consumer rights amidst evolving technological landscapes.

Dignitaries including Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs, Shri Rohit Kumar Singh, and representatives from various consumer commissions, National Law Universities, industry associations, and consumer organizations were present, underscoring the collaborative approach towards consumer welfare.

As India charts its path towards consumer empowerment and ethical AI adoption, the initiatives launched on World Consumer Rights Day mark a significant step towards fostering a fair and transparent consumer ecosystem, ensuring the protection and promotion of consumer rights in the digital age.