In age of AI, moral values more crucial than ever: Sond
The North News
Chandigarh, May 19
Punjab’s Industry Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond said on Monday that the state has intensified efforts to curb cybercrime, including banking frauds, by deploying a dedicated team of 96 officers. Sond further said that even amid the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, “moral values remain paramount” to safeguard society from digital threats.
“AI will play a significant role in shaping the future, but it also presents enormous challenges,” Sond said during AI and Cyber Security Summit organised by The Hindustan Times in Chandigarh.
. “There is ample scope for AI to be misused to damage reputations, spread misinformation and generate fake news,” he said.
Citing cross-border threats, the minister pointed to recent attempts by Pakistan to weaponise AI. “During conflicts with India, Pakistan has circulated AI-generated fake videos. These are designed to influence public perception and destabilise trust,” he said.
To strengthen defences, the Punjab government has trained 248 personnel to investigate cybercrime cases, he said. A six-month training course was also organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India, he added.
Sond added that 48 Information Security Officers (ISOs) have been deployed across various departments to bolster the state’s cyber vigilance. The Cyber Security Cell, functioning under the Punjab government, is at the heart of these efforts.
“These officers are actively monitoring cybercrime incidents, and we are equipping them with the latest skills and tools,” he said.
Despite these efforts, the minister acknowledged that cybercrime remains a persistent and global challenge. “This isn’t limited to Punjab or India. These crimes are happening across the world, and AI has only accelerated their pace.”
