‘Use AI to solve real problems, not chase power’: Nandan Nilekani

Nandan Nilekani, co-founder of Infosys and its non-executive chairman, recently addressed the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to both empower and concentrate wealth in society. Speaking at an Asia Society event, Nilekani expressed concerns about the technology's ability to disproportionately benefit a select few, yet he emphasized the importance of utilizing AI to tackle pressing societal challenges. "Clearly, AI has the potential to create a concentration of wealth and power, and we cannot ignore that reality," Nilekani stated. He urged leaders and influencers to guide AI development towards inclusive and beneficial applications that serve the broader community. With a focus on practical solutions, Nilekani suggested that India should leverage AI to address critical issues in sectors such as healthcare, education, and language accessibility, rather than merely striving for global dominance in AI technology. During the discussion, he also critiqued the notion of universal basic income (UBI) as a solution to job displacement due to automation, labeling it a 'dystopian idea.' Instead, he advocated for the use of AI to enhance human skills and capabilities, allowing individuals to achieve more. Nilekani highlighted India’s success in developing digital public goods, citing the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) as a prime example of innovation that delivers effective solutions at low costs. He underscored the necessity of continuous innovation to avoid stagnation and the risks that come with it. Reflecting on the principles guiding India’s digital infrastructure, he mentioned the significance of simplicity and clarity in design. He noted that even the foundational document for the UPI was succinct, showing that effective communication can lead to robust and scalable solutions.