The real-world implications of generative AI in business

By Amita Mirajkar

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern business, those who resist the tide of digital transformation risk being swept away. With its ability to automate processes, extract insights from vast amounts of data, and improve decision-making, AI has become a key driver of success. And at the forefront of this technological wave is generative AI, a cutting-edge approach that leverages neural networks and deep learning algorithms to create original content that mimics existing data. Whether it’s generating life-like images, writing coherent text, or even crafting entire videos from scratch, the potential applications of generative AI are nothing short of revolutionary.

Leveraging generative AI

Generative AI has the potential to impact productivity, job prospects, automation, and data management in several ways. Firstly, it can automate mundane (and now creative too) tasks, reducing the need for human intervention and leading to increased productivity, as humans can focus on more complex tasks. For example, in manufacturing, AI-generated instructions could be used to optimize production processes, reducing waste, and increasing efficiency. However, this could also lead to increased reliance on AI, which could have negative consequences if the technology is sub-optimal or compromised. Businesses need to ensure they have the infrastructure and expertise to handle large amounts of data and use it effectively.

Though generative AI has the potential to automate many tasks that were previously done by humans, the role of humans in the loop is likely to become even more critical in the future. Humans will be needed to monitor and regulate automated processes, ensure ethical and fair practices, and provide the human touch that is essential for many aspects of business. By striking the right balance between automation and human involvement, businesses can create solutions that are more effective and relevant to their customers.

Also read: Analysing customer behaviour and preferences using AI video analytics

India’s emergence as a technology hub has made it an attractive destination for businesses. The country has prioritized education, resulting in a skilled workforce favorable for the technology industry. The Personal Data Protection Bill 2019, modeled on GDPR but with unique provisions that reflect India’s cultural and legal context, is expected to provide a regulatory framework for data privacy and protection in the country.

By embracing upskilling and fostering a culture of innovation and problem-solving, India can stay ahead of the curve and continue to grow and innovate in a rapidly changing business environment.

Regulatory landscape

Crafting effective regulations requires a profound understanding of the technology’s capabilities, limitations, and potential risks. Also, progress in regulation calls for cross-country collaboration and sharing of insights. Europe has made great strides in adding regulations, including copyright benefits for source data used in generative AI. Further, it is crucial to establish common bodies for collaboration across nations, industries, and segments. By working together, we can create a regulatory framework that fosters innovation, protects consumers, and ensures ethical technology usage.

Ethical considerations 

Though generative AI offers many benefits, it also presents potential pitfalls. For example, a malicious actor could use AI-generated content to create a fake news story or impersonate someone online. Another concern is the potential for biased decision-making. If the data used to train the generative AI is biased, then the output will also be biased, which could lead to discrimination against certain groups.

Also, it is important to consider the ethical implications of this technology. For example, generative AI can be used to create fake news and propaganda, which can have serious consequences for society. It is crucial that businesses take steps to ensure that their use of generative AI is ethical and responsible. This includes obtaining reliable data sources that are representative of the population to avoid biased models, ensuring transparency. In addition, organisations adopting AI should give enough priority to explainability, complying with privacy laws, and obtaining consent from users.

Also read: Generative AI to open up revenue streams for IT firms, say analysts

Businesses that fail to embrace digital transformation risk falling behind in today’s fast-paced world. Generative AI is just one example of the advanced technologies that businesses can adopt to improve efficiency, enhance customer experiences, and ultimately gain a competitive edge. However, it is essential to consider the potential risks and ethical implications of generative AI and take steps to address them. By doing so, businesses can harness the power of AI for good and drive differentiating innovation to set them apart from the lot. The future is exciting!

(The writer is CEO and Co-Founder, Clairvoyant. Views expressed are personal.)