Davos spotlight: AI regulation needs global consistency

The CEO of Japanese IT giant NTT DATA has called for global standards in AI regulation to mitigate the risks posed by the rapidly advancing technology. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Abhijit Dubey emphasised that inconsistent regulations could lead to significant challenges. He argued that standardised global rules are essential for addressing issues like intellectual property protection, energy efficiency, and combating deepfakes.

Dubey pointed out that the key to unlocking AI’s potential lies not in the technology itself, which he believes will continue to improve rapidly, but in ensuring businesses are prepared to adopt it. A company’s ability to leverage AI, he said, depends on the readiness of its workforce and the robustness of its data architecture.

He stressed that companies must align their AI strategies with their broader business objectives to maximise productivity gains. ‘The biggest issue isn’t the technology it’s whether organisations are set up to implement it effectively,’ Dubey noted.

The discussion at Davos highlighted the urgent need for collaboration among governments, businesses, and industry leaders to create cohesive AI regulations that balance innovation with risk management.