The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (Trai) recommendation to set up an independent statutory Artificial Intelligence and Data Authority of India is a welcome step, as it acknowledges the impact of AI across multiple sectors and the connectedness of technologies like 5G and the internet of things (IoT) with AI. OpenAI’s release of ChatGPT has sparked debate among AI experts, with some calling for a moratorium on building such models, while others argue that the benefits of AI far outweigh the risks. AI is already being used in smartphones, cameras, driverless cars, low-cost satellites, chatbots and robots, and is helping farmers with flood forecasts and warnings. However, AI can also be used for malicious purposes, such as AI-generated clones, deep-fakes, malware and other mischief.