Ethical considerations and robust governance frameworks are essential as technology advances rapidly, asserted Dr BVR Mohan Reddy, founder chairman of Cyient, a multinational tech firm, on Saturday. Dr Reddy reasoned that such frameworks are “essential for building trust, promoting equitable access, and safeguarding the well-being of individuals and society as a whole”.
Dr Reddy, who is also a board member of Cyient, was speaking at the 12th convocation of IIT Gandhinagar. The institute conferred a total of 456 degrees, which included students from PhD, MTech, BTech- MTech dual degree, MSc, MA, PGDIIT, BTech Dual Major, BTech, and BSc (engineering) courses.
Addressing the students, Dr Reddy advised them to “explore the proper use, potential risks, and impacts of the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, addressing concerns such as bias, privacy, security, and accountability.”
“It is imperative that we reflect upon the ethical considerations associated with the astounding advancements in technology we have witnessed. The power of technology to transform lives is undeniable, but we must also recognise the ethical dilemmas that arise as we navigate this ever-evolving landscape. Therefore, I urge you… embrace innovation, but temper it with a strong moral compass,” stressed Dr Reddy.
Noting that Artificial intelligence (AI) is a plausible “ethical minefield”, Dr Reddy added, “AI algorithms possess tremendous power, capable of making critical decisions that impact our lives… The ethical dilemma lies in ensuring that these AI systems are fair, unbiased, and accountable. We must prevent the perpetuation of discrimination, preserve human dignity, and ensure transparency in AI decision-making by holding AI systems accountable for their actions…”
“Ethical considerations extend to various facets of technology, including data privacy, surveillance, cybersecurity, intellectual property rights, and the digital divide,” he added.
Meanwhile, Director of IIT Gandhinagar Prof Rajat Moona said that the institute, “recognising the far-reaching impact of AI across various fields”, has introduced a new B Tech degree programme, starting from the academic year 2023-24.