NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla made a strong pitch for promoting responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI). Chairing a workshop at the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Conference in Barbados, Birla said systems like AI-based translation, AI-enabled e-library, and speech-to-text reporting are making parliamentary processes more efficient and inclusive. Addressing the workshop on ‘Leveraging Technology: Enhancing Democracy Through Digital Transformations and Tackling the Digital Divide’, Birla said through cooperation and knowledge-sharing, it can be ensured that technology becomes a bridge, not a barrier. “Commonwealth nations should promote responsible and ethical use of AI, while bridging the digital divide through technology,” he said.Highlighting technological progress, Birla said application of e-Parliament has brought a major transformative shift in functioning of India’s parliamentary democracy. On upcoming digital initiatives, he said in the near future, real-time AI translation systems such as ‘Sansad Bhashini’ will allow every member of Parliament to communicate in their own language – a new achievement for democracy in a diverse country like India. He said PM Modi has adopted a ‘visionary approach’ of viewing AI not merely as technological advancement, but as a powerful tool for citizen empowerment & transparent governance. TNN