Security Concerns Major Barrier to AI Adoption in India: Deloitte Report
New Delhi, December 17 – A staggering 92% of Indian executives consider security challenges, including hacking and cyber threats, as the biggest barrier to adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI), according to a Deloitte Asia Pacific report. The findings underscore the critical need for robust frameworks to foster trust and mitigate risks in India's rapidly evolving AI landscape.
The report, titled "AI at a Crossroad: Building Trust as a Path to Scale", is based on a survey of 900 senior executives across 13 markets. It reveals that while enthusiasm for AI is high, significant barriers remain to its widespread adoption.
Key Findings from the Report
Security Concerns: About 92% of Indian executives cited security risks, including hacking and cyber threats, as a primary challenge to AI adoption.
Privacy Risks: 91% of respondents expressed concerns over privacy risks associated with sensitive data in AI applications.
Regulatory Challenges: 89% of executives highlighted complexities arising from regulatory uncertainties and compliance requirements as a significant hurdle.
The report also indicates a preparedness gap, with more than half of technology officers feeling their workplaces are not equipped to handle AI-related risks.
Recommendations for Indian Organizations
Jayant Saran, Partner at Deloitte India, emphasized the need for seamless integration of AI into existing systems to ensure its sustainable adoption. He stated,
"Organizations must bridge technological and knowledge gaps through continuous skill upgrades and cross-functional collaboration."
Saran also highlighted that fostering trust through robust frameworks and ethical practices can help businesses mitigate risks, enhance innovation, and deliver value confidently in an AI-driven environment.
A Positive Outlook
Despite the challenges, the report offers some optimistic insights:
- Existing Skills: Nearly 60% of organizations surveyed possess the necessary skills for ethical and legal AI use.
- Proactive Measures: About 72% of organizations are actively addressing skill gaps by hiring specialists in ethical AI practices.
This proactive approach, the report notes, is crucial for tackling emerging challenges and preparing the workforce for responsible AI adoption.
The findings underscore the importance of robust strategies and a collaborative effort to unlock the transformative potential of AI while addressing its inherent risks.
