KTR warns of technology’s dark side, calls for responsible innovation at Bengaluru summit

While delivering the keynote address at the inauguration of the ‘Entrepreneur Tech & Innovation Summit - 2025’ in Bengaluru on Thursday, he spoke on "Driving Digital India: Guidelines and Innovations for Technology Development," emphasizing the need for policymakers, tech leaders, and startup founders to focus on social impact rather than unchecked technological expansion.

Hyderabad: Former Telangana IT Minister and BRS working president KT Rama Rao has emphasised the need for new and responsible innovation to utilise opportunities in shaping the future of technology, beneficial to the society. However, he cautioned that unchecked technological advancements could pose serious threats to society.

Delivering the keynote address at the inaugural of ‘Entrepreneur Tech & Innovation Summit – 2025’ in Bengaluru on Thursday, he spoke on “Driving Digital India: Guidelines and Innovations for Technology Development,” urging policymakers, tech leaders, and startup founders to prioritise social impact over blind technological growth.

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He stressed that while Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), Quantum Computing, Extended Reality (XR), and the Internet of Bodies (IoB) are revolutionising the world, their application must be rooted in human needs and moral values.

“Radios gave way to televisions, and today, podcasts dominate. Technology will change, but human needs will remain constant. It can be dangerous, if not used responsibly,” the former IT Minister cautioned. He stressed the need for technology development to benefit the society. He cited drones as a classic example with potential to transform agriculture but also disastrous if weaponised. “Every technology is like a double-edged sword,” he warned, urging innovators to develop tech that uplifts society rather than threatens it.

Raising concerns about the growing cybercrimes, Rama Rao called out the Central government’s lack of effective strategy to tackle them. He ridiculed the Centre, stating that cybercrimes cannot be stopped with a ringtone on mobile phones to create awareness. He noted that while technology is making life easier, it is also enabling fraud, data theft, and online gambling addictions, leading to financial ruin and even suicides.

“Stopping the ill effects of online gambling has become a major challenge for governments. The question is – why are young people with high technological skills turning to cybercrimes?” he asked.

The BRS working president also pointed to the alarming environmental impact of rapid digital expansion. “Massive data centres are being set up every day, consuming enormous amounts of electricity and water. Yet, no one is questioning the long-term damage,” he pointed out. He called for sustainable tech policies that balance progress with environmental responsibility, failing which future will be troublesome.

On the Kannada language row in Karnataka, Rama Rao broadened the discussion to the bigger social divide – the gap between those who understand technology and those who don’t.
“The more the digital divide grows, the more society will fragment. Technology should be an equalizer, not a divider. We must ensure that access to tech-based opportunities is available to all,” he urged.

The two-day event will be attended by over 150 speakers, with marquee sessions on AI, digital transformation, autotech, spacetech, and healthtech, including innovations and their potential to shape the future. Additionally, the prestigious Gala IDEA Awards, recognising outstanding innovations in the tech domain, will be presented at the event.