AN ETHICAL ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND CYBER PHYSICAL SYSTEMS FRAMEWORK TO PROTECT GIRL-CHILD RIGHTS IN INDIAN SMART CITIES

Abstract

Rapid global urbanization, particularly in India, is fueling the expansion of smart cities that integrate AI and CPS to enhance urban living and governance. While these technological advances offer substantial benefits, they also pose complex challenges, particularly for the rights and safety of vulnerable groups, such as girl children. This document addresses the need for an ethical framework to protect the rights of girl children within the intelligent infrastructure of Indian smart cities. It presents a conceptual framework that integrates ethical principles, AI governance, and child protection mechanisms into CPS design and deployment. The approach uses doctrinal case study analysis, drawing on government data, UN reports, and international legal instruments to identify specific vulnerabilities and propose targeted interventions. The analysis considers privacy concerns, the potential for algorithmic bias, and the risk of digital exploitation, set against India's unique socio-cultural context. Furthermore, the paper outlines a methodology for assessing the ethical impact of AI/CPS technologies on children. It offers practical policy recommendations for implementation, emphasizing multi-stakeholder collaboration and a rights-based approach. The proposed framework aims to inform the development of secure, inclusive, and child-centric smart urban environments in India, ensuring that technology serves to uplift rather than jeopardize the fundamental rights of girl children.