Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to expand rapidly across industries, prompting global debate about its opportunities and risks.
Delegates at the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi have outlined five major issues associated with the rapid development and deployment of artificial intelligence technology, according to summit summaries published by news agencies.
1. Job Displacement and Workforce Disruption
One of the most discussed concerns is the potential impact of AI on employment.
Delegates noted that generative AI systems are increasingly capable of performing tasks traditionally handled by humans, including drafting documents, writing code, analysing data, and producing creative content. Automation tools are also expanding in manufacturing and service industries.
Experts at the summit said this development raises concerns about workforce displacement, particularly for routine and repetitive roles.
While AI may create new categories of employment, discussions focused on the immediate adjustments required in skills training, reskilling programmes, and labour market policies to manage the transition.
2. Harmful and Misused AI Applications
Another major issue identified is the misuse of AI systems for harmful purposes.
Participants cited examples such as the creation of deepfake videos, AI-generated scams, phishing campaigns, and misinformation. There were also references to copyright disputes involving AI-generated content and concerns about accountability when AI systems produce harmful or misleading outputs.
Summit discussions emphasised the need for safeguards, monitoring mechanisms, and clearer legal frameworks to address cases where AI tools are used in ways that cause financial, reputational, or social harm.
3. Rising Energy Demand and Environmental Impact
The growing energy consumption of AI infrastructure was also highlighted as a significant concern.
Large AI models require extensive computing power, which depends on energy-intensive data centres. Delegates noted that data centres already account for a measurable share of global electricity consumption, and this demand is projected to grow as AI adoption increases.
Discussions centred on the need for more energy-efficient hardware, sustainable data centre practices, and the integration of renewable energy sources to support expanding AI systems without placing excessive strain on national power grids.
4. Regulation and Governance Frameworks
Governments across the world are moving to introduce regulatory frameworks to manage AI deployment.
Speakers referenced legislative steps taken in several jurisdictions requiring companies to disclose the use of generative AI in products and services.
The European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act was cited as an example of a structured regulatory approach aimed at classifying AI systems by risk levels and restricting certain high-risk applications.
Summit participants discussed the balance between encouraging innovation and establishing oversight mechanisms to ensure transparency, accountability, and consumer protection.
5. Long-Term AI Capabilities and Existential Concerns
The final issue addressed was the long-term trajectory of AI development.
Some researchers raised questions about the advancement of highly capable AI systems, often referred to as Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), which could potentially perform tasks at or beyond human cognitive levels.
While views differed among experts, discussions acknowledged ongoing debates about safety protocols, ethical design standards, and international cooperation to manage advanced AI systems responsibly.
The summit discussions underscored five central concerns shaping the global AI debate: job displacement, harmful misuse, energy demands, regulatory responses, and long-term capability risks.
As AI technologies continue to evolve, policymakers and industry leaders said sustained dialogue and coordinated action will be required to address these issues while supporting innovation and economic development.
