As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly transforms industries, the focus on making these powerful tools accessible to everyone—regardless of technical expertise—has never been more crucial. This movement, known as AI democratisation, seeks to empower individuals and small businesses, fostering innovation and creativity while mitigating potential risks associated with AI technologies.
In a recent discussion with Business Today, Gibu Mathew, Vice President and General Manager for APAC at Zoho Corporation, shared insights on how his company is leading the charge in this transformative landscape. “AI democratization is about inclusivity,” Mathew explained.
“It empowers individuals and small businesses by providing them with the means to leverage AI for innovation and creativity. This approach not only drives economic growth but also helps mitigate risks associated with AI, such as biases and privacy breaches.”
At the core of Zoho’s mission is the belief that technology should empower users rather than alienate them. The company’s offerings, including Zoho Creator, Zoho AI Modeler, and Zoho CRM, are specifically designed to make AI more accessible. The AI assistant, Zia, enhances business intelligence by integrating with OpenAI’s ChatGPT, enabling organizations to respond effectively to market trends.
As AI spending is projected to rise significantly, Mathew also discussed anticipated trends in AI legislation, multi-modal AI, and sustainability.
“We are likely to see stricter regulations focusing on ethical implications, including data privacy and algorithmic transparency,” he explained. “While multi-modal AI presents exciting opportunities, it also requires caution due to the sensitive information it can access.”
Sustainability, he emphasised, should be a primary concern for businesses. “Companies must invest in AI solutions tailored for business rather than consumer needs. At Zoho, we prioritize data protection, allowing businesses to retain ownership of their information while utilizing generative AI capabilities,” he said.
However, the advancement of AI technologies comes with inherent risks. Mathew pointed out that increased accessibility raises concerns about data breaches and unauthorized sharing of sensitive information. “To counter these risks, businesses must implement ethical AI development practices and robust cybersecurity measures,” he noted.
He offered several key recommendations for organisations looking to leverage AI responsibly: adhere to secure coding guidelines, maintain transparency and accountability, and comply with privacy regulations. These practices not only enhance data security but also facilitate regular audits, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
Looking ahead, Mathew urged tech leaders to prioritise ethical considerations in their AI strategies. “Transparency, fairness, and accountability are essential not just for compliance, but for maintaining customer trust,” he remarked.
“Collaboration with researchers and policymakers can further help address risks while maximising the benefits of AI.” he added.
