As many as 61 per cent Indians fear that Artificial Intelligence (AI) may do more harm than good to humankind, American Information Technology and AI expert Daniel Castro said on Thursday highlighting the apprehensive outlook towards the revolutionary field of AI in India.
While sharing the possibilities and challenges in modern AI technology with the students of Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Ranchi, Castro shared a slide from Ford 2018 survey, which said that India was among the most apprehensive countries when it came to trusting AI. On the other hand, less than 30 per cent people in China showed the same apprehension towards AI, a slide from Castro’s presentation said.
Castro, Vice President at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) and director of ITIF's Center for Data Innovation, was in Ranchi on Thursday along with a team from the US Consulate in Kolkata. “61 per cent people in India think AI will do more harm than good.
We need to address such apprehensions in order to achieve the benefits of AI in the ever-so-fast growing market of digital technology and innovation,” he said. Castro, who has an extended repertoire of experience in India's privacy policies, the Digital India program, and data integration in Smart Cities, talked about enabling the next wave of digital innovation. He explained the five waves of digital innovation - mainframe economy, network economy, internet economy, data economy, algorithm economy.
He said that in 2017 India produced 17,384 AI researchers and launched 82 AI start-ups – a fact that makes India’s growing acceptance and expertise in AI evident despite the apprehensions.
A total of over 70 students were in attendance, enthused, and full of anticipation, having had the chance to interact with the dignitaries. Krish Das, who works at promoting mutual understanding between people of India and the U.S., talked about his formative years in India and what brings India and the U.S. closer in the culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Prof. Amarendu Nandi of IIM, Ranchi addressed the students and delivered vote of thanks to the attendees including faculty, media representatives, students, Alumni and International Relations Committee, and the staff-members, who facilitated the event, and to the speakers for gracing with their presence.