AI policy reform strategic suggestions to the government of Nepal by CAN Federation

The Computer Association Nepal Federation (CAN Federation) has submitted a concept paper with its important suggestions to the government for the first-ever national Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy to be formulated in Nepal. The concept paper was submitted to Minister for Communications and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung by a delegation of the federation.

The concept paper titled 'Use and Practice of AI in Nepal' has been prepared based on the critical study and recommendations of the federation's AI coordinator and vice-president Chiranjivi Adhikari, Prof. Dr. Sudan Jha, advocate Diksha Raut and Ganga Bhandari. The document presents various recommendations focusing on issues such as technological innovation, AI research, ethical AI development, data security and regulation.

The federation believes that if Nepal promotes the development and research of new technologies, it can achieve self-reliance in the AI ​​sector and compete globally. In addition, it has been suggested that ethical values ​​should be given high priority while developing AI technology, and that digital inclusion and human rights should be protected.

Similarly, the CAN Federation has emphasized that ethics should be given equal attention while developing AI technology. It has been emphasized that the use of AI should not harm anyone. In addition, the Federation has also suggested that a strong system should be created to protect the data required for the use of AI. It has been raised that strict rules should be made to prevent misuse of data.

The CAN Federation has also suggested that clear policies and laws should be made to regulate the use of AI technology. Similarly, it has been emphasized that collaboration between different sectors is necessary to make the development and use of AI effective. The concept paper includes suggestions that the government, private sector, educational institutions and other stakeholders should work together.

The main suggestions given by the CAN Federation in the concept paper are as follows:

1. Clear definition of AI: Since the report does not have a clear definition of AI, a clear AI definition that is applicable to the context of Nepal should be put in place.

2. Glossary: ​​A glossary should be included that includes definitions of technical terms such as AI, machine learning, data privacy.

3. Regional needs: The use of AI should be encouraged in various regional needs such as health, agriculture, disaster risk management.

4. Multi-sectoral collaboration: Multi-sectoral collaboration should be emphasized by clarifying the roles of academic institutions, government agencies, the private sector, NGOs, and local governments.

(Legal Framework and Data Protection A strong legal framework and data protection policy should be created for AI.

5. Data Management: Clarity should be provided on how AI-related data should be managed. There is a need for administrative clarity on issues such as data cleansing, data safety, data privacy.

6. Inter-country data sharing: Arrangements should be made for inter-country data sharing.

7. Data Center: Nepal should establish its own independent and capable data center.

8. Investment: Investment should be made in the national AI ecosystem. Investment should be made in human resources, scholarships should be encouraged, and AI centers should be established in universities.

9. Localization: AI tools should be developed for the Nepali language and the specific needs of Nepal.