Cybersecurity and AI in Telecom: Insights from India Mobile Congress 2024

Cybsersecurity is increasingly becoming critical for telecom networks as clear insights emerged from the 2024 India Mobile Congress. Mahaveer Singhvi, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs, emphasized that telecom companies must invest heavily in cybersecurity to safeguard against the vulnerabilities introduced by AI and automation.

“As telecommunications networks gain complexity, it’s essential that these businesses bolster their security measures to prevent AI and automation from turning into weaknesses,” Singhvi stated.

He highlighted the role of AI in detecting cyberattacks more effectively, advocating for its use alongside operational automation to mitigate risks.

Ensuring Connectivity through AI and Cybersecurity

AI stands to revolutionize telecom networks by enhancing planning and predictive capabilities.

“AI can help telecom companies target under-served areas, improving connectivity where it’s needed most. This technology could also facilitate cost-effective operations for expanding reach into remote regions,” Singhvi explained.

Custom Solutions for Users

Telecom providers are encouraged to utilize data analytics to create tailored plans. For instance, AI can identify trends in data usage across different times of the day, allowing providers to offer cheaper plans during off-peak hours, thereby improving access for low-income users.

Singhvi noted that around 200 million users in India rely on the 2G network, indicating a significant need for affordable digital services.

The Privacy Dilemma

With AI's extensive reliance on data, data privacy has emerged as a major concern. As telecom companies harness AI, they must balance service improvement with users' privacy rights.

“It is critical for telecom operators to be transparent about their data practices,” Singhvi urged, advocating for stringent data protection laws and ethical AI practices. Moreover, the need for a global framework for regulating AI use has been strongly recommended.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of establishing ethical guidelines for AI applications worldwide.