G20 conference on digital crime: Harnessing NFTs, AI, & Metaverse for positive impact

The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced hosting the ‘G20 Conference on Crime and Security in the Age of NFTs, AI & Metaverse’ on 13 and 14 July, 2023. The event will take place in Gurugram, Haryana. It will bring together G20 nations, 9 special invitee nations, and subject matter experts from all around the world to explore the difficulties presented by these emerging technologies.

Several key government departments will collaborate to organise the two-day conference, including the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

What’s the aim of G20 conference?

In addition to the government departments, various renowned institutions will join as organising partners for the event. These include Rashtriya Raksha University, National Forensic Science University, National Law School of India University, Interpol, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

The conference aims to address the emerging challenges posed by advancements in technology, specifically focusing on NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens), AI (Artificial Intelligence), and the Metaverse. With these technologies rapidly evolving, there is a need to understand their impact on crime and security.

Moreover, the conference will provide a platform for experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to exchange ideas, share best practices, and propose strategies to tackle potential threats in this evolving landscape.

The event is expected to attract participants from G20 member countries, international organisations, academia, and industry. Through engaging panel discussions, presentations, and workshops, the conference aims to foster collaboration and promote innovative solutions to combat crime and ensure security in the digital age.

What was discussed at the Round Table in 2023?

Previously, on 12 May 2023, the Ministry of Home Affairs organised a Round Table in New Delhi to provide details about the upcoming G20 Conference. The event was attended by ambassadors, high commissioners, and senior dignitaries from over 20 countries, along with senior officers from various Indian government ministries and partner organisations.

During the discussion, Union Home Secretary, Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla, briefed the attendees about the key aspects of the upcoming conference. The conference aims to bring together G20 countries, guest or invited countries, and international bodies.

Additionally, it will involve the participation of Indian government ministries, organisations, Chief Secretaries, Administrators of States/Union Territories, Director Generals of Police, cyber experts, and guest speakers representing various sectors such as the legal fraternity, academia, training institutions, financial intermediaries, fintech, social media intermediaries, information and communication technology, cyber forensics, regulators, startups, over-the-top (OTT) service providers, e-commerce companies, and others.

G20 Conference explores positive impact

The above-mentioned conference has the potential to benefit our country in a number of ways. It will boost international collaboration, enabling policy creation, creating capacity, establishing partnerships, and tackling the difficulties posed by NFTs, AI, and the Metaverse in the context of crime and security.