Arundhati Bhattacharya Advises Vigilance Against Digital Scams Amid Rising Fraud Cases

Arundhati Bhattacharya, President and CEO of Salesforce South Asia, has highlighted the need for vigilance against digital fraud. Her remarks come amid a rise in online scams where criminals use advanced AI tools to deceive people. She emphasised the importance of being cautious and sceptical when faced with unusual requests.

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Bhattacharya noted that scammers can now mimic voices and faces using AI. She advised individuals to be wary if asked to transfer large sums unexpectedly. "You must check before taking a big step," she said, urging people to verify calls by hanging up and calling back.

AI Tools and Digital Fraud

The increasing sophistication of scams makes customers vulnerable, as they often lack awareness of these tactics. Bhattacharya stressed the need for greater customer awareness about cybersecurity and digital fraud. "You have to take security into your own hands," she stated, advocating for self-protection measures.

Discussing AI regulation in India, Bhattacharya suggested that companies should focus on self-regulation rather than heavy legislation at this stage. She believes that fostering innovation is crucial, and self-regulation demonstrates companies' understanding of their impact on society.

Innovation and Competition

Bhattacharya also addressed the push for indigenous technology in India. While she supports this initiative, she believes open competition is essential for innovation. "Competition helps in innovation," she remarked, noting that it leads to better offerings for customers.

She observed that a competitive market allows the best technologies to enter the country. This approach ensures that customers benefit from superior products and services. Bhattacharya emphasised that celebrating domestic achievements should not mean excluding foreign innovations.

In her view, India's current approach aligns with global trends, balancing innovation with regulation. She praised the government's stance on AI regulation, stating it is appropriate given the rapid evolution in this field.

With inputs from PTI