The increasing reliance on social ratings and feedback loops in services like ride-sharing platforms is leading to a system where personal ratings may determine access to services. This trend, mirrored in China’s proposed national trust score, raises concerns about algorithmic discrimination and its societal impact.

DeepMind has developed the world’s first tabula rasa algorithm, AlphaGo Zero, which learns from scratch without relying on human expertise or existing data. Unlike previous AI models, it learns through self-play, achieving mastery in the game of Go and uncovering novel strategies. This approach could revolutionize areas like genomic research and law, reducing concerns about privacy and human bias in algorithmic decision-making, and possibly leading to true artificial general intelligence.

Algorithms in streaming services and e-book libraries curate content based on individual preferences, often with impressive accuracy. However, the downside to this is the eventual homogenization of content. By continually reinforcing original preferences, the algorithms can lead to a lack of diversity in the content presented. We need to seek out new and different content, recognizing that while algorithms are powerful tools, they have limitations. They are only as good as the data they’ve been trained on, and without regular updates to keep them fresh and relevant, they can become restrictive rather than expansive in their recommendations.

Despite the challenges of automation and a shrinking services sector, there is untapped potential for jobs in areas like fintech and healthcare. India should create new business models and employment opportunities by leveraging its unique economy, rather than relying on manufacturing as a temporary solution.

The psychology of hate and dehumanization shows that a lack of social contact between different groups can lead to radical biases. The internet’s role in social interaction has eroded empathy and increased division, leading to a rise in hate and violence.

As reliance on electronic systems grows, it’s crucial to ensure accurate user identification. Authentication protocols should use permanent, non-reusable IDs, expanding digits if necessary. We must build robust systems that are error-resistant to match the increasing trust we place in them.

Traditional market models, focusing on supply control of scarce commodities, are outdated for the internet age. Modern tech companies grow by enhancing user experience and creating demand-driven platforms. This self-perpetuating cycle benefits consumers, challenging the need for market fragmentation. Indian competition authorities should independently assess the best approach to truly benefit consumers, even if it diverges from global norms.

Rwanda changed its laws to allow drone deliveries of blood from blood banks to remote areas. On the other hand, India that is known for its jugaad in innovation has introduced laws that have stifled innovation in drones.

The RBI Committee on Household Finance recommends the use of fintech to build the customisable, scalable solutions we need to benefit households.

The Supreme Court of India’s decision in Puttuswamy v. Union of India affirmed the fundamental right to privacy, resolving inconsistencies in previous rulings. While the judgment is celebrated for its nuance, I am concerned that the consent-based framework might hinder the benefits of modern technology.