Digital Transformation Offers Opportunities But Could Be Daunting, Warn NIXI CEO And MeitY Secretary

Anil Kumar Jain, the CEO of the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI), spoke about the challenges facing Digital India during the organization’s foundation day celebrations on Monday. He acknowledged that the rapid advancements in digitization can be intimidating, but assured attendees that NIXI is committed to ensuring that all internet users benefit from the use of technology.

As NIXI celebrated 20 years of working to build India’s Internet infrastructure, the CEO said, “India’s vast population demands and deserves access to the Internet, and NIXI strives to meet these expectations in line with our mission of empowering online communities.”

However, Jain told ReturnByte that technology changes every six months, so it is very difficult to predict what will happen. He spoke about the development of tools like ChatGPT and AI in all industries, including the manufacturing and production industries.

Considering the rapid development of the digital world, the CEO said: “These are times when we have to evolve very quickly. NIXI aims to remain the provider of the country’s Internet infrastructure, be it new broadband connections or new technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, augmented reality, machine language, blockchain, driverless cars or robots that will enter our lives.

Jain pointed out that while some people may fear the introduction of new technology, the country eventually embraces it. But then the biggest challenge is to ensure that the technologies are safe and do not harm the country, he added.

“The benefits of digitization and digital transformation bring with them many challenges that are really scary. For example, bank accounts are emptied by cybercriminals, or it is assumed that personal data is leaked and someone uses it to fulfill their own purpose, or information related to national security ends up in the hands of enemy countries. We hope that NIXI can make a significant contribution in the future to ensure that a digitized world or a digitized nation is secured,” said Jain.

At the foundation day event, Alkesh Kumar Sharma, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and IT and Chairman, NIXI was also present along with MeitY Additional Secretary Bhuvnesh Kumar and other representatives.

Addressing the audience, Sharma said in his speech ‘The Need for Digital Transformation for India and the Globe’, “Digital transformation is not a choice, it is a necessity. It is a modern phenomenon and one has to live with it.”

He spoke about the benefits of digital transformation, including Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), the ease of e-government, creating a competitive business ecosystem, being a digital leader in the world and building a sustainable future. However, he said: “It is important to recognize that digital transformation also poses many challenges. We need to address data security, privacy and digital literacy so that no one is left behind or a victim of cybercrime.

Further, Sharma said that the central government is committed to a multifaceted approach to achieve the goals of digital transformation in the country.

He said: “The Government is investing in digital infrastructure such as high-speed broadband and data centers to enable seamless connectivity across the country. We are working with industry leaders and startups to drive innovation and create an enabling environment for entrepreneurs.

Sharma also stated that the government is prioritizing digital literacy and education to ensure that Indians have enough knowledge and skills to thrive in the digital age.