26th May 2025, Kathmandu
In an era saturated with sensationalized headlines about Artificial Intelligence, the World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA) is set to host a timely and essential discussion that promises to cut through the noise.
Unpacking AI Normal Technology
As part of its acclaimed WITSA Webinar Series, the upcoming event, “AI as a Normal Technology,” will feature Sayash Kapoor, a distinguished researcher from Princeton University’s Center for Information Technology Policy and a Senior Fellow at Mozilla.
Scheduled for Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 9:00 AM ET, this webinar offers a much-needed perspective on AI, urging us to move beyond the extremes of utopian dreams and dystopian fears. For those in Kathmandu, Nepal, this translates to a convenient 6:45 PM NPT start time.
Rethinking AI’s Role in Society: A Groundbreaking Perspective
The webinar will delve into the core themes of Kapoor’s and Arvind Narayanan’s influential paper, “AI as a Normal Technology.” This research fundamentally challenges the prevailing narratives that often portray AI as an autonomous force beyond human control. Instead, Kapoor advocates for a more grounded understanding, urging us to view AI through the lens of historical technological evolution.
Attendees will gain insights into how:
AI should be treated like any other technological tool, intrinsically shaped by human institutions and societal norms. This shift in perspective highlights the importance of human agency in guiding AI’s development and application.
The discourse surrounding AI must pivot from hyperbolic predictions to pragmatic policy and realistic implementation. This emphasis on tangible, actionable strategies is crucial for fostering responsible AI growth.
Lessons from past industrial revolutions can offer invaluable guidance in preparing for and navigating the disruptions that AI may bring. Understanding historical patterns of technological integration can help us build more resilient and adaptable societies.
This approach not only demystifies AI but also empowers stakeholders to engage with it constructively, moving away from panic or passive acceptance towards informed decision-making.
Meet the Visionary Speaker: Sayash Kapoor
Sayash Kapoor is a leading voice in the field of AI ethics and policy. As a Researcher at Princeton University’s Center for Information Technology Policy and a Senior Fellow at Mozilla, his work consistently challenges conventional wisdom and promotes a more nuanced understanding of technology’s societal impact.
Kapoor is also the co-author of the insightful book, “AI Snake Oil: What Artificial Intelligence Can Do, What It Can’t, and How to Tell the Difference,” which serves as a practical guide for demystifying AI’s capabilities and limitations. His contributions to the field have earned him significant recognition, including being featured in TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in AI.
Why This Webinar is a Must-Attend
In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, understanding AI is no longer a niche interest but a global imperative. This webinar is particularly relevant for:
Policymakers: Gain a pragmatic framework for developing effective AI regulations and governance.
IT Professionals: Understand how to integrate AI responsibly within existing systems and practices.
Academics: Explore new research avenues and critical perspectives on AI’s societal implications.
Tech Enthusiasts: Deepen your understanding of AI beyond the sensationalized headlines and engage with its practical realities.
This event is free and open to all WITSA members, partners, and the wider global tech community. It represents a unique opportunity to gain a refreshing take on how AI can be managed, regulated, and integrated into our world without succumbing to either panic or passivity.
Secure Your Spot Today!
Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with one of the leading thinkers in AI. Secure your spot by registering through the following link:
Unpacking AI Normal Technology
The Zoom access link will be provided immediately after registration.
Organized by: WITSA – The Global Voice of the ICT Industry – continually strives to foster informed discussions and collaborations that shape the future of information and communication technology worldwide.