AI and Development

2026-02-03 · Source: AI Now Institute · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Cybersecurity & Data Privacy, Emerging Technologies & Innovation · Depth: Intermediate, medium

Summary

Usha Ramanathan, an Indian lawyer and activist, analyzes the "AI for development" narrative through the lens of India's digital development journey, specifically focusing on the Aadhaar digital ID project. She argues that this narrative, often promoted by business interests, follows a pattern where technology is sold as a solution for the poor but primarily benefits the state and corporate sector, leading to "trickle-up economics" where data becomes a new form of property. Ramanathan highlights how the Aadhaar project, despite initial claims of aiding the poor, has created precarity and suffering for many Indians, with marginalized communities facing significant exclusion and even death due to system failures. She contends that problems with these systems are systematically obscured, and there is no genuine feedback loop or experimental approach to address issues, ultimately eroding societal well-being and individual freedom.

Key takeaway

For AI ethicists and policymakers evaluating "AI for development" initiatives, you should critically assess whether proposed solutions genuinely serve the public or primarily benefit corporate and state interests. Recognize that narratives promising utopian technological perfection often obscure real-world harms, such as exclusion and precarity for vulnerable populations. Prioritize human-centered design and robust feedback mechanisms to prevent the erosion of individual freedoms and societal well-being.

Key insights

The "AI for development" narrative often masks corporate profit and state power, creating precarity for marginalized populations.

Principles

• Technology for development can serve "trickle-up economics."
• Systemic problems are obscured to push technological agendas.

In practice

• Examine the true beneficiaries of "AI for development" initiatives.
• Scrutinize claims of welfare benefits against real-world impacts.

Topics

• AI for Development
• Aadhaar Project
• Digital ID Systems
• Data Governance
• Welfare State Impact

Best for: Executive, AI Product Manager, Product Manager, AI Ethicist, Policy Maker, Legal Professional

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by AI Now Institute.