Last week, a subsidiary of a Chinese hedge fund made waves by launching DeepSeek R1, a new reasoning AI model. Partly open-source, it competes with leading models globally, creating a buzz, especially in India.
Online discussions revealed mixed reactions. Critics often argue that India’s tech scene is stuck in a cycle of cheap labor. They claim this focus on low-cost services, like food delivery apps, keeps India from advancing in AI and research.
While there’s some truth to this, it’s not the whole story. India’s quick commerce services excel in design and user experience. The absence of cutting-edge AI labs stems more from structural challenges. Researchers are underpaid, and the country lacks the necessary graphics processing unit (GPU) clusters for developing advanced models. This reveals a different kind of talent in India—especially in app design and optimization.
Eventually, India will develop frontier AI labs. As technology progresses and system issues like fair wages and social biases are addressed, the country can shift focus to more advanced research.
This isn’t the first time a tech giant faced backlash in India. In June 2024, Meta launched its AI assistant, Meta AI, powered by Llama 3. Just days later, it faced backlash with hashtags like #BoycottMetaAI trending. The criticism stemmed from accusations of bias, claiming the chatbot made jokes about Hindu deities while refusing to joke about Islamic figures. This led to significant outrage, fueled by notable figures pushing the narrative.
Meta is not alone in this. OpenAI’s ChatGPT faced a similar situation in January 2023 when a viral post accused it of anti-Hindu bias. This event drew widespread media attention and misrepresented the technology. These incidents, while seemingly minor, reveal a deeper anxiety within the tech industry as they navigate cultural sensitivities in India.
These challenges aren’t unique to AI. Over the last decade, many tech companies have found themselves caught up in cultural battles in India. This phenomenon appears to operate through public outrage rather than direct government intervention. The public often takes on the role of enforcers, creating an environment where tech companies must tread carefully or face backlash.
For example, in 2022, a lingerie brand faced scrutiny after a data breach, wrongly labeled as targeting Hindu women. Despite the lack of evidence, a government body took action based on unverified claims, amplifying communal fears. This illustrates the fine line between governance and ideological bias in handling tech companies.
This inconsistent focus on trivial matters distracts from real issues, such as data misuse by any group, regardless of their background. Some tech companies have tried to lean into nationalism amidst this chaos, but these efforts often backfire, leading to skepticism about their intentions.
If the government is serious about promoting technological growth, it must reconsider its approach to cultural conflicts with tech companies. These distractions hinder progress. Addressing deeper issues—like systemic inequality and labor exploitation— is crucial for sustainable advancement.
Other countries grapple with similar challenges. American and Chinese tech companies also face cultural scrutiny, prioritizing political correctness over straightforward technological development. In India, however, cultural issues dominate the conversation, sidelining science and innovation.
To truly advance, India must shift its focus to creating a supportive environment for scientific research and technological inquiry. By tackling systemic societal issues and improving the tech ecosystem, India can strive for meaningful progress.
Kalim Ahmed is a columnist and open-source researcher focusing on tech accountability and disinformation.
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