Vikas Agarwal is an expert in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Cloud Computing, talks to Deccan Mirror about US President Trump’s new AI Policy.
Q: Vikas, how do you see AI evolving over the next decade?
Vikas: The best way to describe the evolution is Integration. It will become part of every aspect of our life. From everyday tasks and tools, healthcare, and education to industries, AI will be integrated deeply into every bit of our lives. The systems are now becoming more intuitive, personalized, and collaborative with humans.
Q: What is your assessment of Mr. Trump administration’s stance on AI and its development?
Vikas: Positive. His recent decision to revoke the restrictions imposed on AI implantation and order calling for the development of an AI action plan will surely help America regain its global dominance in the field of AI like it has in science and technology. I felt this step would surely have a significant impact on the various stages of AI projects in the future.
Q: Asian countries like China are now leading the AI marathon. How do you see the US competing with China in this space?
Vikas: Well, first, we should admit the facts. China definitely has a pro-aggressive approach to utilizing new technology to the best of its causes. The US, on the other hand, has a great innovation-driven ecosystem. The latest order by Trump to infuse 500 million into AI research and development will be a great boost to the techno world. With proper vision, ambition, and ecosystem, it would be just a matter of time before the USA leads the AI marathon.
Q: Does the order address ethical concerns around AI development, such as bias or transparency?
Vikas: Ethical concerns, data privacy, and bias in algorithms are the biggest challenges that are going to be faced by the AI end user and developer together. The policy they might come up with should have data testing as the key factor that can eliminate the possibility of crime. The testing field has never been more important than to address the issues I stated above.
Q: There’s a lot of fear of losing jobs with AI; Wouldn’t President Trump’s new AI policy to boost AI lead to more people losing jobs?
Vikas: That’s exactly what I hear from everyone. Any new technology wave can only change the nature of jobs rather than replace them outright. Contrary to common belief, people need to use more brains than ever. It will automate repetitive tasks but also create new opportunities requiring creativity, emotional intelligence, and strategic thinking. New jobs are to be created with every new wave of people and technology arriving, and this ambitious policy will play a role in creation.
Q: How will AI impact healthcare?
Vikas: AI in healthcare is the need of the hour. The countless possibilities that can arise in AI will help in diagnostics, drug development, and personalized treatment plans. For example, predictive analytics will help detect diseases like cancer at early stages, saving countless lives.
Q: Which fields do you think President Trump needs to take care of when he decides about AI research and development?
Vikas: Ethical AI is something I want to start with. As more data and funds are going to be poured in, proper ethical norms, which can auto-correct the AI bias without much human intervention, are the need of the hour. Establishing clear ethical guidelines and frameworks can set this right. National security and cybersecurity, workforce development, medicine, crime control, and finding AI-based solutions to real-world governance issues are things he can stress more about, which can set a standard and put the US in full gear again.
Q: As an Indian software engineer, what are your thoughts on the future of AI under Trump’s administration?
A: I foresee that the focus will be on maintaining American leadership in emerging technologies like AI. Maybe it’s too early to comment until we see what policy he brings out; until then, his steps are inclined to emphasize research funding and talent development. To sum up, it would be a great deal to witness.
