Uber and GeM
Introduction
Established in the US, one of the world’s largest cab networks came into existence in 2010 and, since its inception, has expanded all over the globe with operations in 10,000 cities across 71 countries. It made a remarkable start in India in 2017 and, since then, has seen a rise in the customers and drivers for the company. India is among the largest markets for Uber, with 600,000 monthly drivers and 8.5 million monthly riders.
GeM
Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is a one-stop portal to facilitate online procurement of common-use Goods & Services required by various Government Departments / Organizations / PSUs. GeM aims to enhance transparency, efficiency and speed in public procurement. It provides the tools of e-bidding, reverses e-auction and demand aggregation to facilitate government users achieve the best value for their money. Government e-Marketplace owes its genesis to the recommendations of two Groups of Secretaries to the Prime Minister in January 2016. They recommended setting up a dedicated e-market for different goods & services procured or sold by Government/PSUs besides reforming DGS&D. Subsequently, the Finance Minister, in his Budget speech for FY 2016-17, announced setting up of a technology-driven platform to facilitate procurement of goods and services by various Ministries and agencies of the Government. The portal was launched on 9th August 2016 by the Commerce & Industry Minister.
Uber-GeM collaboration
The cab network giant has registered on the portal of the Government E-marketplace and has declared that it will offer its services to Government officials from Ministries and PSUs. The project is currently in its pilot phase and shall be executed systematically to cover all the ministries and PSUs in the nation. The officials can book cabs at a fixed price with no cancellation or surge fees on the rides. The authorised officials will be able to book a cab from the portal and select from the list of drivers available. It will be a cashless/cardless ride for the officials; additional vehicle categories for government riders have been added, namely, GeM Yatraa Hatch and GeM Yatraa Sedan, and there will be hourly rentals for multiple-stops, allowing the government officials to enjoy the flexible and easily accessible network of cabs in major cities.
Advantages
Such collaboration between Government institutions and corporates will go a long way to secure a stable equilibrium in the market. Uber, a US-based company, enjoys a vast user base in India and has created new job avenues. The advantages of the collaboration between GeM and Uber are as follows-
Easy accessibility
This will undoubtedly provide ease in accessibility in terms of being in a new place, and language barriers will no longer exist with such options for Government officials.
Increased jobs for drivers
With more cabs being engaged with ministries and PSUs, it is pertinent that the requirement for drivers will grow, thus increasing the employability rate in India and allowing the user to have an uninterrupted experience.
Ease of travel and commuting
This move will provide flexibility, thus leading to more ease in travel in cases of emergencies or places inaccessible by trains or other modes of transport.
Rise in travel and tourism
Coupled with the other factors, the opportunities for the users to visit different places will be an added advantage which will help boost the tourism industry, thus creating a balance in the market.
Sustainable Government corporate relationship
Such collaborations between the government and corporates will be substantial, signifying the ease of doing business in India. They will also act as a beacon of example for compliance with opportunities for the other companies and stakeholders.
Opportunities for collaboration with ingenious start-ups
With such major corporate joining hands with the government, the indigenous start-ups will have various opportunities to engage with companies and recreate similar businesses rooted in India, thus transforming the economy.
Conclusion
Transportation and communication play a vital role in our lives, thus, such collaboration will go a long way in creating a better and more uniform user experience in the country. This also goes a long way to showcase that the Governmental platforms also offer services of a global standard. Such portals exist in South Korea, Singapore, the US and Europe. The network of cabs can only be sustained using the locals as drivers, hence these collaborations are win-win for all as the market dynamics are improving, employability will increase, and improved user experience will be seen.
Related Blogs
Technology has revolutionized our lives, offering countless benefits and conveniences that make our daily lives more accessible and connected. However, with these benefits come potential challenges and risks that can impact our digital experiences. In this article, we have gathered expert advice on the impact of technology use in our daily lives, including the importance of warranties and tech protection in safeguarding our technology investments. Our experts offer invaluable insights and guidance on using technology safely and effectively while protecting us from unexpected costs or problems. Whether you’re a casual user or a technology enthusiast, our experts’ insights will help you navigate the world of technology with confidence and peace of mind.
How to protect kids from online abuse in the modern era of technology?
“As parents, it’s important to acknowledge that online child abuse is a widespread problem that we need to address. But does this mean we should ban technology from our children’s lives? Absolutely not! Technology is an integral part of our children’s lives, providing numerous benefits. Instead, we should think of practical ways to minimize the risks of online abuse. Many parents today depend on parental control apps like Mobicip to safeguard their children’s online activities and build healthy digital habits. These apps allow parents to supervise their child’s online behavior, restrict screen time, prevent access to certain websites and applications, filter inappropriate content, and get instant notifications about dangerous interactions or inappropriate content. Parents feel reassured and free of worry, knowing that their children’s online surroundings are secure and protected. In addition to using a parental control app, we must also focus on building a strong connection with our kids. By initiating conversations about their digital lives, we can understand their digital world, educate them about the potential risks and dangers of the internet, and teach them how to stay safe. By being proactive and engaged in our children’s digital lives, we can protect them from online abuse while still allowing them to benefit from technology.”
How to increase engagement in online classes via technology?
“Online classes have gained immense popularity in recent years due to their many advantages. However, online educators face several challenges that can impede the effectiveness of their classes, one of which is the lack of engagement from students. To address this challenge, it is crucial to adopt certain strategies that can increase student engagement and create a more meaningful learning environment.
One effective strategy is to limit the number of chokepoints that students may face while enrolling in a class. This can be achieved by using booking and scheduling technology that provides students with a hassle-free experience. The system sends regular reminders and notifications to learners about upcoming classes and assignments, helping them stay organized and committed to their learning.
Technology plays a vital role in improving communication between students and teachers and in increasing student engagement and participation during a session. Utilizing technology such as polling, chat boxes, and breakout rooms enables learners to actively participate in the class and share their perspectives, leading to more effective learning.
Personalization is also essential in creating a meaningful learning environment. A scheduling system can help create customized learning paths for each student, where they can progress at their own pace and focus on topics that interest them. This ensures that each student receives individual attention and is able to learn in a way that suits their learning style.
Moreover, gamification techniques can be used to make the learning process more fun and engaging. This includes using badges, points, and leaderboards to motivate learners to achieve their goals while competing with each other.”
Dr. Sukanya Kakoty, Omnify
How to choose the best due diligence software for your business?
“With a variety of solutions on the market, finding the best due diligence software for your business can be a tedious task. In addition to the software’s capabilities meeting your needs, there are other factors to consider when picking the right solution for your business. As due diligence involves the sharing of sensitive information, security is a key factor to consider. When browsing solutions, it is important to consider if their security features are up to industry standards. User-friendliness is another factor to consider when adopting a new due diligence software. Introducing a new tool should increase team efficiency, not disrupt your existing workflow. When searching for the perfect due diligence solution, pick one that meets the above criteria and more. DealRoom is a lifecycle deal management solution, providing pipeline, diligence, integration, and document management all under one platform. DealRoom’s user-friendly and intuitive features allow for customizable workflows to fit the specific needs of each user. DealRoom also offers industry-leading security features, including data encryption, granular permissions, and detailed audit logs, guaranteeing that your information is always protected. When choosing the best due diligence software for your business, consider a user-friendly, flexible, and secure solution.”
Why are backups important, and what is the safest way of doing them?
“Backups are important for several reasons. They help to protect against data loss, which can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as hardware failure, software corruption, natural disasters, or cyber-attacks. Backups also help to ensure that important data is available when needed, such as in the case of an emergency or system failure. Additionally, backups provide a way to recover deleted or corrupted files. This is also important because the loss of data can result in consequences such as financial loss, damage to reputation, and even legal issues. If not these, then loss of data may also lead to emotional effects in certain cases. A backup, however, can restore data quickly and avoid any significant disruption, emotional or otherwise. The safest way of doing backups is by following the 3-2-1 backup rule. This rule states that you should have at least three copies of your data, stored on at least two different storage media, with one copy stored offsite. This provides redundancy in case of a failure of one storage medium or location.
There are several methods of backing up data, including:
- External hard drives or USB drives: These are inexpensive and portable, making them a popular choice for personal backups. However, they can be lost or damaged, so it is important to keep them in a safe location and make regular backups.
- Cloud backups: These store data on remote servers, which can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. This provides an offsite backup solution, but it is important to choose a reputable provider and to ensure that the data is encrypted and secure.
- Network-attached storage (NAS): These are devices that connect to a network and provide centralized storage for multiple devices. They can be configured to automatically back up data from multiple devices on the network.
- Tape backups: These are less common but are still used by some businesses for the long-term storage of large amounts of data.
Regardless of the backup method chosen, it is important to regularly test backups regularly to ensure that they can be successfully restored in case of an emergency.”
What are the best trending electric toys for kids in 2023?
“Augmented Reality (AR) Toys: These toys blend the physical and digital world, providing an immersive experience. Popular examples include AR-enabled building sets and interactive storybooks that come to life through an app.
Educational Robotics: Robotics toys like the LEGO Mindstorms Robot Inventor and Sphero’s programmable robots have gained popularity for teaching coding, engineering, and problem-solving skills through hands-on play.”
Aside from security, what are some of the features of a VPN?
“Accessing geo-restricted content: One of the main benefits of using a VPN is its ability to bypass geographical restrictions in the world of flight prices, content, gaming, and more. Many websites and online services are only available in certain countries or regions. With a VPN, you can change your virtual location and access content that is otherwise blocked or unavailable in your country. Imagine you’re playing a game with friends; by using a VPN, you can improve your gaming experience by connecting to a server closer to the game’s host location and bypassing regional restrictions to access features unavailable in your region.
Increased privacy and anonymity: While security and privacy go hand in hand, VPNs offer more than just encryption. They also provide a level of anonymity by masking your IP address and making it difficult for websites and online services to track your online activity. This can be particularly useful for users who are concerned about their online privacy or who want to avoid targeted ads.
Faster internet speeds: Believe it or not, using a VPN can actually improve your internet speed in certain situations. If your internet service provider (ISP) is throttling your internet speed, a VPN can help you bypass this by encrypting your traffic and hiding it from your ISP. Additionally, some VPN providers offer dedicated servers that are optimized for faster speeds, reducing buffering and improving download and upload speeds.”
How does creating a website can help a home business?
“As a digital marketing consultant, I once worked with a client who had a home-based bakery business. She struggled to reach new customers beyond her local community and wanted to expand her reach and grow her business. After assessing her needs, I recommended that she create a website for her business. With the website, she could showcase her unique baked goods, provide a platform for online ordering, and expand her reach to customers beyond her local community. The website was designed to be visually appealing and user-friendly while effectively showcasing the brand and products in an attractive way. Additionally, the website was optimized for search engines and integrated with social media platforms to increase visibility and drive traffic to the site. Within a few months of launching the website, she saw an increase in orders. Customers could easily place orders through the website and leave reviews, which provided social proof and helped build trust with potential customers. Also used data analytics to track customer behavior and make data-driven decisions to improve the website and marketing strategy. The website became a valuable asset for her business, helping her to expand her reach, increase sales, and gather valuable customer data. Overall, creating a website helped her home-based business to grow and thrive in a competitive marketplace.”
Lito James, MassivePeak.com
How can technology be utilized to enhance productivity for remote teams working from home?
“Our team facilitates strategic planning sessions and we’re frequently working with teams that are working remotely. Here are a few of our best tips for productivity:
- Clear strategy: As teams have fewer touch points, it’s critical they are aligned and bought into the direction of the organization.
- Clear big rocks for the week. Make sure you’re not just busy but doing things that will move the needle on your strategic goals
- Clear accountability: Basecamp or other project management tools to help make sure nothing falls through the cracks
- Clear communication: Schedule the right meetings, so you are connecting at the right times to deliver important work and align on important topics.
- Clear agendas: When you do meet, make sure you’re coming together, staying focused, and getting the most important information across
Creating the right strategy and the right structure to keep it moving forward will help your team drive your most important outcomes, regardless of if you’re working in an office or remotely.
Anthony Taylor, SME Strategy Consulting
How to monitor your kids’ activities online?
“As a father of two kids and the founder of TheSweetBits.com, a website dedicated to providing guides on software and apps, I have extensive experience in monitoring my children’s online activities. Over the years, I have tested and reviewed numerous parental control apps and software to ensure my children’s online safety. When it comes to monitoring your kids’ activity online, it’s crucial to find a balance between keeping them safe and respecting their privacy. One of the most effective ways to achieve this balance is by using parental control software that allows you to set limits on their device usage, restrict access to inappropriate content, and monitor their online activity. However, it’s important to note that parental control software is not a substitute for good communication with your kids. You should have regular conversations with them about online safety and the potential dangers of the internet. By establishing trust and open communication, you can work together to create a safe and responsible online environment for your family. As I always say, ‘Parental control software is just one tool in the toolbox of responsible parenting’.”
How to plan the best online date with the help of technology?
“To plan a date online with the help of technology, we recommend using a reservation app like OpenTable to make dinner reservations. Not only will this let her know you thought ahead with the smaller details, but it will also ensure a smooth date by eliminating a long waiting time for a table to open up.”
What are the benefits of teaching kids to code and how to make it fun?
“The ability to code has become increasingly important in the modern world due to the rapid advancement of technology and its integration into nearly every aspect of our lives. This is something that will only continue as our children grow up and enter the world at large as the demand for workers with coding skills continues to grow rapidly. Teaching kids to code offers numerous benefits beyond just developing technical skills and getting them future-ready. It promotes problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, and logical reasoning, all of which are essential in today’s digital age. Additionally, coding can increase creativity and encourage children to think outside the box. However, it’s important to make coding fun and engaging for kids rather than a dull and tedious task. One way to make it exciting is to introduce gamification elements, such as incorporating fun characters or adding game-like challenges, and there are loads of great apps to get them started with. We love CodeSpark Academy, Lego Boost, and Tynker. Another approach is to encourage group work or peer learning, where children can work together to solve problems and learn from each other. Ultimately, making coding fun and enjoyable can ignite children’s interest in technology and set them on a path to explore new and exciting opportunities in the future.”
Are dating apps useful in the modern dating era and how to find the correct one?
“Dating apps have become a popular tool for modern daters to find potential partners. However, they also come with their own set of problems. One of the biggest issues with current dating apps is that they focus too much on superficial factors such as sexual attraction, rather than deeper compatibility and true attraction. This can lead to frustration and disappointment for users who are seeking more meaningful connections. Fortunately, AI technology is starting to offer solutions to these problems. By using machine learning algorithms and data analysis, apps like Iris Dating are able to help users find potential matches based on more than just superficial qualities. Iris uses a process called “iris training” to learn each user’s unique preferences and suggest compatible matches accordingly. This approach allows users to connect with people to whom they are really attracted, leading to more meaningful and lasting relationships. When it comes to finding the right dating app, it’s important to do your research and choose one that aligns with your values and preferences. Look for apps that prioritize true attraction and use AI technology to help you find meaningful matches. Don’t be afraid to try out multiple apps until you find one that feels right for you. Overall, while dating apps have their flaws, AI-powered apps like Iris offer hope for a more personalized and meaningful dating experience. By leveraging the power of technology, we can make the search for love a little bit easier and a lot more enjoyable.”
What are some IT risk management tips for home businesses?
“As more and more people turn to home-based businesses, IT security for these operations is becoming an increasingly important concern. From data breaches to cyberattacks, the risks you face as a home business owner are the same as those faced by larger enterprises. So, what are some IT risk management tips for home businesses? First, consider using a virtual private network or VPN to enhance the security of your online communications. Additionally, enable two-factor authentication for all of your accounts, including any cloud services you use. Practice good password hygiene, regularly updating passwords and avoiding easily guessable or common passwords. Finally, consider investing in cybersecurity insurance to protect your business in the event of a cyberattack or data breach. By taking these steps to mitigate IT risks, you can help ensure your home business stays secure and successful. Below are some additional suggestions to help you stay vigilant and set up your home business for longevity.
-Keep Your Software Up to Date: One of the best ways to reduce your risk of being hacked is to keep your software up to date. This includes both your operating system and any applications you have installed.
-Use a Firewall: A firewall is a piece of software that helps to block incoming connections from untrusted sources. By blocking these connections, you can help to prevent hackers from gaining access to your system.
-Use Anti-Virus Software: In addition to using a firewall, you should also use anti-virus software. Anti-virus software helps to protect your system from viruses and other malware. These programs work by scanning your system for known threats and then quarantining or deleting any files that are found to be infected.
-Back Up Your Data Regularly: Finally, it is important to back up your data regularly. This way, if your system is ever compromised, you will not lose any important files or data.
-Encrypt Your Data: If you are storing sensitive data on your computer, it is important to encrypt it to protect it from being accessed by unauthorized individuals. Encryption is a process of transforming data into a format that cannot be read without a decryption key. There are many different encryption algorithms that you can use, so make sure to choose one that is appropriate for the type of data you are encrypting.”
What are the benefits of giving your child a smartphone?
“If you’re teetering back and forth on getting your child a smartphone, consider these benefits as you make your decision:
• Connection. Smartphones keep kids in contact with friends and family—for fun and function! From school to extracurricular activities, kids can easily let their parents and caregivers know about late pickups, ride requests, and other changes of plans.
• Safety. If your child or someone they’re with gets hurt, their smartphone could save a life! And with built-in GPS, their location is always accessible. Plus, parental controls and other smartphone safeguards offer even more protection.
• Convenience. Life is a little easier when your child has a smartphone, plain and simple! You can call each other, send texts, and always know where they are.
• Acceptance. These days, it’s uncommon for kids to not have smartphones. With a smartphone, your child feels belonging and inclusion among their peers.
• Development. Having something as valuable as a smartphone teaches children responsibility and accountability. And with a smartphone of their own, your child will learn how to use technology in an appropriate, safe, and disciplined way.
• Education. Smartphones are incredible teaching tools! Educational apps, videos, and games can keep kids sharp. Plus, smartphones can introduce them to new hobbies and interests!”
How is technology promoting health and wellness?
“Technology has revolutionized the healthcare industry and is playing an increasingly important role in promoting health and wellness. Here are some ways in which technology has helped:
Wearable technology: Wearable devices, such as fitness trackers and smartwatches, are becoming increasingly popular. These devices can track a person’s physical activity, sleep patterns, heart rate, and more. They provide valuable insights into a person’s health and wellness and can help motivate them to make positive lifestyle changes.
Telehealth: Telemedicine allows patients to receive medical care remotely through video conferencing, phone calls, or other digital means. It has also allowed fitness professionals to work with more people who aren’t in a local market via video conferencing, webinars, etc.
Mobile Apps: There are a plethora of mobile apps available that promote health and wellness. These apps can help users track their diet and exercise, manage chronic conditions, and access medical information.
Virtual Reality: Virtual reality (VR) is being used in healthcare to treat conditions such as anxiety, phobias, and PTSD. VR can also be used for physical therapy and rehabilitation.
Overall, technology is playing an increasingly important role in promoting health and wellness, and it is likely that we will see even more innovative uses of technology in the healthcare industry in the future.”
Introduction
A bill requiring social media companies, providers of encrypted communications, and other online services to report drug activity on their platforms to the U.S. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) advanced to the Senate floor, alarming privacy advocates who claim the legislation transforms businesses into de facto drug enforcement agents and exposes many of them to liability for providing end-to-end encryption.
Why is there a requirement for online companies to report drug activity?
The reason behind the bill is that there was a Kansas teenager died after unknowingly taking a fentanyl-laced pill he purchased on Snapchat. The bill requires social media companies and other web communication providers to provide the DEA with users’ names and other information when the companies have “actual knowledge” that illicit drugs are being distributed on their platforms.
There is an urgent need to look into this matter as platforms like Snapchat and Instagram are the constant applications that netizens use. If these kinds of apps promote the selling of drugs, then it will result in major drug-selling vehicles and become drug-selling platforms.
Threat to end to end encryption
End-to-end encryption has long been criticised by law enforcement for creating a “lawless space” that criminals, terrorists, and other bad actors can exploit for their illicit purposes. End- to end encryption is important for privacy, but it has been criticised as criminals also use it for bad purposes that result in cyber fraud and cybercrimes.
Cases of drug peddling on social media platforms
It is very easy to get drugs on social media, just like calling an Uber. It is that simple to get the drugs. The survey discovered that access to illegal drugs is “staggering” on social media applications, which has contributed to the rising number of fentanyl overdoses, which has resulted in suicide, gun violence, and accidents.
According to another survey, drug dealers use slang, emoticons, QR codes, and disappearing messages to reach customers while avoiding content monitoring measures on social networking platforms. Drug dealers are frequently active on numerous social media platforms, advertising their products on Instagram while providing their WhatApps or Snapchat names for queries, making it difficult for law officials to crack down on the transactions.
There is a need for social media platforms to report these kinds of drug-selling activity on specific platforms to the Drug enforcement administration. The bill requires online companies to report drug cases going on websites, such as the above-mentioned Snapchat case. There are so many other cases where drug dealers sell the drug through Instagram, Snapchat etc. Usually, if Instagram blocks one account, they create another account for the drug selling. Just by only blocking the account does not help to stop drug trafficking on social media platforms.
Will this put the privacy of users at risk?
It is important to report the cybercrime activities of selling drugs on social media platforms. The companies will only detect the activity regarding the drugs which are being sold through social media platforms which are able to detect bad actors and cyber criminals. The detection will be on the particular activities on the applications where it is happening because the social media platforms lack regulations to govern them, and their convenience becomes the major vehicle for the drugs sale.
Conclusion
Social media companies are required to report these kinds of activities happening on their platforms immediately to the Drugs enforcement Administration so that the DEA will take the required steps instead of just blocking the account. Because just blocking does not stop these drug markets from happening online. There must be proper reporting for that. And there is a need for social media regulations. Social media platforms mostly influence people.
AI systems have grown in both popularity and complexity on which they operate. They are enhancing accessibility for all, including people with disabilities, by revolutionising sectors including healthcare, education, and public services. We are at the stage where AI-powered solutions that can help people with mental, physical, visual or hearing impairments perform everyday and complex tasks are being created.
Generative AI is now being used to amplify human capability. The development of tools for speech-to-text and image recognition is helping in facilitating communication and interaction for visually or hearing-impaired individuals, and smart prosthetics are providing tailored support. Unfortunately, even with these developments, PWDs have continued to face challenges. Therefore, it is important to balance innovation with ethical considerations aand ensuring that these technologies are designed with qualities like privacy, equity, and inclusivity in mind.
Access to Tech: the Barriers Faced by PWDs
PWDs face several barriers while accessing technology. Identifying these challenges is important as they lack computer accessibility, in the use of hardware and software, which has become a norm in life nowadays. Website functions that only work when users click with a mouse, self-service kiosks without accessibility features, touch screens without screen reader software or tactile keyboards, and out-of-order equipment, such as lifts, captioning mirrors and description headsets, are just some difficulties that they face in their day-to-day life.
While they are helpful, much of the current technology doesn’t fully address all disabilities. For example, many assistive devices focus on visual or mobility impairments, but they fall short of addressing cognitive or sensory conditions. In addition to this, these solutions often lack personalisation, making them less effective for individuals with diverse needs. AI has significant potential to bridge this gap. With adaptive systems like voice assistants, real-time translation, and personalised features, AI can create more inclusive solutions, improving access to both digital and physical spaces for everyone.
The Importance of Inclusive AI Design
Creating an Inclusive AI design is important. It ensures that PWDs are not excluded from technological advancements because of the impairments that they are suffering from. The concept of an ‘inclusive or universal’ design promotes creating products and services that are usable for the widest possible range of people. Tech Developers have an ethical responsibility to create advancements in AI that serve everyone. Accessibility features should be built into the core design. They should be treated as a practice rather than an afterthought. However, bias in AI development often stems from data of a non-representative nature, or assumptions can lead to systems that overlook or poorly serve PWDs. If AI algorithms are trained on limited or biased data, they risk excluding marginalised groups, making ethical, inclusive design a necessity for equity and accessibility.
Regulatory Efforts to Ensure Accessible AI
In India, the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act of 2016 impresses upon the need to provide PWDs with equal accessibility to technology. Subsequently, the DPDP Act of 2023 highlights data privacy concerns for the disabled under section 9 to process their data.
On the international level, the newly incorporated EU’s AI Act mandates measures for transparent, safe, and fair access to AI systems along with including measures that are related to accessibility.
In the US, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 508 of the 1998 amendment to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 are the primary legislations that work on promoting digital accessibility in public services.
Challenges in implementing Regulations for AI Accessibility for PWDs
Defining the term ‘inclusive AI’ is a challenge. When working on implementing regulations and compliance for the accessibility of AI, if the primary work is left undefined, it makes the task of creating tools to address the issue an issue. The rapid pace of tech and AI development has more often outpaced legal frameworks in development. This leads to the creation of enforcement gaps. Countries like Canada and tech industry giants like Microsoft and Google are leading forces behind creating accessible AI innovations. Their regulatory frameworks focus on developing AI ethics with inclusivity and collaboration with disability rights groups.
India’s efforts in creating an inclusive AI include the redesign of the Sugamya Bharat app. The app had been created to assist PWDs and the elderly. It will now be incorporating AI features specifically to assist the intended users.
Though AI development has opportunities for inclusivity, unregulated development can be risky. Regulation plays a critical role in ensuring that AI-driven solutions prioritise inclusivity, fairness, and accessibility, harnessing AI’s potential to empower PWDs and contribute to a more inclusive society.
Conclusion
AI development can offer PWDs unprecedented independence and accessibility in leading their lives. The development of AI while keeping inclusivity and fairness in mind is needed to be prioritised. AI that is free from bias, combined with robust regulatory frameworks, together are essential in ensuring that AI serves equitably. Collaborations between tech developers, policymakers, and disability advocates need to be supported and promoted to build AI systems. This will in turn work towards bridging the accessibility gaps for PWDs. As AI continues to evolve, maintaining a steadfast commitment to inclusivity will be crucial in preventing marginalisation and advancing true technological progress for all.
References
- https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/over-1-4k-accessibility-related-complaints-filed-on-govt-app-75-solved-124090800118_1.html
- https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2023/06/16/empowering-individuals-with-disabilities-through-ai-technology/ .
- https://hbr.org/2023/08/designing-generative-ai-to-work-for-people-with-disabilities
- Thehttps://blogs.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/2018/05/07/using-ai-to-empower-people-with-disabilities/andensur,personalization
