“AI is not just about building intelligent systems. It is about building systems we can trust.” - Fei-Fei Li, AI scientist and author
More AI demands more mutual compatibility and trust
All of a sudden, the global IT services sector is confronting the AI tide, one where speed of delivery or lower price of services has started to matter less now. Western courts have been issuing rulings on trade secret theft and IP breaches now. That challenges the entire edifice of trust that Indian IT built over decades. Delivery reliability was the calling card of IT majors but AI is creating many dynamics that affect reputation.
West strikes the soft underbelly of IT firms
Western regulators are getting strict on issues like data misuse, discrimination, and financial misconduct. Global firms like IBM, Accenture, Fujitsu, and DXC have faced investigations or penalties. So their clients want a clear protection for intellectual property. Governance that used to be a fancy term till recently is now a real KRA for Board members!
How the sands shifted
For most IT services firms, their chief USP was high-quality maintenance done at low cost. That was the backbone of the global outsourcing industry. But three major problems appeared - (a) insider threats, (b) lax financial controls, and (c) procurement failures. Trouble in these can literally end projects and damage confidence. The Boards have to step in to invest in rigorous compliance, and enforce clean room approaches. It's easier said than done.
Thou shalt not break the Lord's trust
Companies can build capabilities to outdo their immediate competition. Trust takes time to build. It slowly grows as clients see transparent processes and an adherence to strong systems. If AI can do a lot tasks rapidly, firms need to build on trust and their own authenticity.
The road ahead
Indian firms must strengthen governance, audit mechanisms, and cultural readiness to align with global expectations. The future will favour those who invest early in ethical infrastructure, not those who compete only on price or delivery volume.
Summary
Global IT services are entering a credibility driven era where consistent governance and ethical strength matter more than cost or scale. With rising scrutiny around IP breaches, discrimination and accountability, trust has become the core advantage for firms navigating the AI centric future.
Food for thought
If trust becomes the final differentiator, will firms that fail to reform simply be phased out of global technology ecosystems?
AI concept to learn: AI governance
AI governance refers to the systems and standards that ensure AI is developed and used responsibly. It covers topics like transparency, accountability, fairness, and risk management. For beginners, it helps explain why trust and ethical oversight matter when deploying AI at scale.
[The Billion Hopes Research Team shares the latest AI updates for learning and awareness. Various sources are used. All copyrights acknowledged. This is not a professional, financial, personal or medical advice. Please consult domain experts before making decisions. Feedback welcome!]
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