AI, emerging tech have increased efficiency of democracy, says Om Birla; cautions against misuse

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday (January 16, 2026) said that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and social media have enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of democratic institutions.

Observing that rapid technological transformations were reshaping societies and governance, Mr. Birla, however, cautioned that their misuse has also given rise to serious concerns such as misinformation, cybercrime and social polarisation.

He was speaking at the 28th conference of Speakers and presiding officers of Commonwealth in the historic Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan (the old Parliament building) in New Delhi.

The Speaker also asserted that it was a collective responsibility of legislatures to engage seriously with these challenges and evolve appropriate solutions.

He underscored the growing importance of ethical AI and credible, transparent and accountable social media frameworks in safeguarding democratic values.

Mr. Birla said that the use of AI and digital technologies was steadily increasing in the Parliament and State Legislatures in India.

Legislative institutions are being progressively made paperless and integrated through a unified digital platform, setting new benchmarks in transparency, efficiency and accessibility, the Speaker added.

He said in India’s over seven-decade-long parliamentary journey, democracy has been strengthened through people-centric policies and welfare-focussed legislations.

The collective efforts of Parliament and government have ensured the repeal of several (over 1500 till date) unwanted and obsolete laws and enactment of new welfare-focused legislations, said Mr. Birla, adding that the enactment of such laws and policies help India in becoming a self-reliant and developed country.