Extraordinary tech power calls for due regulatory responsibility

'Superpower' technologies demand a legal framework. India should seize the day by providing one

- CYRIL SHROFF

Are we becoming part human and part machine, or is the human-machine balance tipping in favour of machines? Whichever way one looks at it, it is clear that humanity today is where science fiction was until yesterday.

While artificial general intelligence is expected to become the norm, a host of newer super technologies have queued up at the beta stage. As all these come together, a new sense of power is being unleashed. But unbridled power can be dangerous. As the difference between science fiction and reality blurs, it is worthwhile to recall a life lesson given to Peter Parker on becoming Spiderman: “With great power comes great responsibility.” Today, that means framing the right laws to protect and provide for businesses and society.

As a new world takes shape, one must examine the dimensions that define it. Taking into account all the thrills, fears, opportunities and threats in store, these dimensions can broadly be classified as follows:

The relationship between innovation and transformation:

A simple analogy can define this relationship. What speed is to physics, technology-driven scale and value are to new-age businesses. A shining example of speed, scale and value is Nvidia, which became the world’s first company ever to reach $4 trillion in market capitalization, surpassing other Big Tech firms. This US-based company’s success can be attributed to soaring demand for the AI chips that it designs and sells. There are many more companies reporting similar leaps in scale and value, with technology driving their success.