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Time of India
06-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
From autism detection to AI tutors, IIIT-B grads explore social impact of technology
Bengaluru: At the 25th annual convocation of the International Institute of Information Technology-Bangalore (IIIT-B) on Sunday, top graduates looked at the future of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in healthcare and education, and effective chip designing to make smaller devices faster. The ceremony saw 372 students graduate from the institute. Speaking to TOI, Monjoynarayan Choudhury, one of the gold medallists in Integrated Master of Technology (IMTech), said, "I plan to pursue research in AI/ML eventually. I'm placed at the moment in Google as a software engineer. I see potential in using AI/ML as assistive tech with human intervention — from screening for mental health considering the poor doctor-patient ratio, to personalising education to the pace of the student. " You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru Riddhi Chatterjee, another gold medallist in IMTech, said, "I'll be helping streamline processes at contact centres (call centres) using AI/ML and plan further studies in the domain. AI has the potential, and one must refrain from the hype and delve deeper into the theoretical aspects — that is where the actual beauty of AI lies. So if you can master the theory, you're definitely going to be hands-on." "If you want to really do something great in ML, you have to know the basics of it — the maths behind it. Only then can you build something meaningful. Otherwise, it will just be a model that takes in garbage and outputs garbage," he added. AI is in every field now, he added, pointing to healthcare, construction, education with AI-based tutors, and autonomous driving where reinforcement learning is used. "I want to carry forward my research and activities in computer vision as well — I worked on a project to detect autism, analysing video of the person doing some task. Computer vision, in general, is where my interest lies," said Chatterjee. Anshul Madurwar, a gold medallist in IMTech, is part of the team that got the patent for a system and method for assisting the visually impaired with a mouse which has a Braille device installed on it. Core skills still vital IIIT-B director Prof Debabrata Das agreed that the highest salaries go to AI/ML-equipped students, but added that core skills are needed too. "Now 20% of employers ask for skills from advanced courses — AI, ML, etc. But they too are asking for it in addition to domain knowledge, coding knowledge, and your analytical skills." In the backdrop of the silver jubilee convocation ceremony at the institute, Das added that IIIT-B's Digital Public Infrastructure is now deployed in over 60 countries, and its flagship MOSIP (Modular Open Source Identity Platform) — a secure, open-source digital ID platform — is in 27 countries, and will cater to nearly one billion people by 2028. Besides, the institute is nominated as the Lead Knowledge Institution (LKI) by NITI Aayog for evidence-based policy interventions. Also, in partnership with Microsoft Research, the AI Innovation and Inclusion Initiative (A4I) has been rolled out to 1,000 govt school teachers in Karnataka to better pedagogy.
United News of India
06-07-2025
- Business
- United News of India
IIIT-B's DIP to touch billion lives across globe
Bengaluru, July 6 (UNI) In a powerful demonstration of India's growing global footprint in digital transformation, the International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-B) has taken centre stage in the global Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) movement. At the 25th Convocation Ceremony held on Sunday, IIIT-B Director Prof. Debabrata Das announced that the institute's flagship innovation, the Modular Open Source Identity Platform (MOSIP), has already enabled more than 136 million digital IDs and is set to impact nearly 1 billion people across 27 countries within the next three years. Prof. Das described MOSIP as a landmark achievement—an open-source, privacy-centric digital ID system developed entirely in India but adopted globally. The platform has garnered international recognition, winning the International Future of Government Award in 2024 and the 'Champion' award at the World Summit on the Information Society in Geneva. Its ethical and scalable architecture has made it a trusted solution for governments seeking secure and inclusive identity systems. Calling it a 'homegrown R&D product from India to the world,' Prof. Das emphasized how MOSIP exemplifies India's role as a lighthouse nation in building open digital systems for public good. The institute's global DPI work is being coordinated through its Centre for Digital Public Infrastructure (CDPI), a non-profit unit working across Asia, Africa, South America and Europe. CDPI has collaborated with over 60 countries, advising on DPI architecture and strategy with a strong emphasis on data protection, user consent, and verifiable credentials. IIIT-B's impact in this field was further highlighted when Prof. Das presented the institute's DPI vision at the UN Citizen's Stack Conference in Geneva, positioning India's innovation as a model for the Global South. As an extension of the MOSIP framework, IIIT-B has also developed INJI, a next-generation data exchange and credentialing platform designed with strong privacy protections. INJI has already been adopted by four countries, with more expected to follow. Prof. Das acknowledged the crucial support from eKStep Foundation, the Gates Foundation, Pratiksha Trust and NORAD in helping the institute scale these initiatives. IIIT-Bangalore's contributions to digital governance are part of a broader portfolio of innovation across health, telecom, artificial intelligence, policy, and sustainability. In the domain of public health, the institute's E-Health Research Centre, in partnership with NIMHANS, has played a central role in the Tele-MANAS initiative of the Government of India. The mental health tele-consultation service, available via a multilingual mobile platform, has handled more than 20 lakh calls over the past year, doubling its previous reach and making critical psychological support accessible nationwide. Another major initiative is the AI for Inclusion and Innovation Initiative (A41), launched in partnership with Microsoft Research. Based at IIIT-B's Centre for Accessibility in the Global South (CAGS), the project develops large-scale digital public goods that use artificial intelligence to serve underserved communities. Supported by Microsoft Philanthropies, A41 is aimed at ensuring that frontier technologies reach the people who need them most. In the field of telecommunications, the institute's COMET Foundation has developed a 5G-Advanced base station aligned with global telecom standards, focused on the Open Radio Access Network paradigm. This technology is designed to reduce market entry barriers for small and mid-sized players in a highly concentrated industry. Looking ahead to 6G, the foundation is also working on Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS) to improve connectivity, reduce energy consumption, and lower deployment costs in traditionally underserved areas. IIIT-B's expertise in data and digital policy has earned it recognition from NITI Aayog, which has designated the institute as a Lead Knowledge Institution under its State Support Mission. In this role, the institute is helping states design evidence-based policy using advanced data science tools. Even as it expands its technical and research footprint, IIIT-Bangalore continues to lead on the sustainability front. For the third consecutive year, it has received the International Green University Award, honouring its commitment to sustainable practices in line with UNESCO's Greening Education Partnership. The institute has integrated environmental awareness into its infrastructure and learning systems, reinforcing its role as a future-focused, socially responsible institution. In response to its growing national and global responsibilities, the institute's Governing Body has approved a major expansion plan, allocating Rs. 817 crore to establish a new East Campus over the next seven years. This will provide the infrastructure required to support its ambitious academic, research, and outreach goals. Established in 1998 and located in the heart of Electronics City, IIIT-Bangalore continues to set new benchmarks in education, research, and innovation. Offering specialized programs in computer science, electronics, AI, data science, and digital humanities, the institute has consistently ranked among the top private technical universities in India. Accredited A+ by NAAC and ranked 74th in the 2024 NIRF rankings, IIIT-B was also named the best private technical university by India Today. As the world moves rapidly toward building inclusive, resilient digital societies, IIIT-Bangalore's pioneering work in DPI, health tech, telecom, and AI places it at the vanguard of global change. With its blend of cutting-edge research, ethical design, and real-world deployment, the institute is helping define the future of technology in service of people—both in India and around the world. UNI BDN GNK
The Hindu
06-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
IIIT-B student gets record ₹1.45 crore package as institute celebrates silver jubilee convocation
The International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-B) marked a milestone on Sunday as an Integrated (iMTech) student secured a record-breaking annual package of ₹1.45 crore during campus placements, the highest ever in the institute's 25-year history, according to IIIT-B. This was announced during the Silver Jubilee Convocation Ceremony held on the IIIT-B campus, where 372 students graduated across various programmes. The convocation saw 142 students graduate from the iMTech programme, 192 from the MTech programme, 12 from MSc in Digital Society, 10 from MSc by Research, and 16 PhD scholars. Top academic performers were recognised with medals. According to a release, this year's placement season has been especially noteworthy. 14 students received annual packages exceeding ₹60 lakh, 67 students received offers above ₹40 lakh, and more than 180 students secured packages above ₹20 lakh per annum. Parallel to the convocation celebrations, the institute highlighted its growing global role in shaping Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). At a press conference, the institute's Director, Prof. Debabrata Das unveiled key initiatives led by the Centre for Digital Public Infrastructure (CDPI), a non-profit team working across 60 countries. Among IIIT-B's flagship contributions is MOSIP (Modular Open Source Identity Platform), which has issued over 136 million digital IDs in 27 countries and is expected to reach nearly one billion people within three years. 'MOSIP is a homegrown product from India to the world. It reflects IIIT-B's mission to foster ethical, scalable, and inclusive digital tools,' Prof. Das said. The platform has earned international accolades, including the Future of Government award and a 'Champion' recognition at the 2024 World Summit on the Information Society in Geneva. He further stated that building on MOSIP's success, the institute has launched INJI, a next-generation, privacy-centric data exchange platform, now adopted by four countries. Backed by partners like the Gates Foundation and NORAD, IIIT-B's DPI ecosystem also includes projects like OpenG2P and COSS, aimed at driving policy innovation and societal transformation. Beyond DPI, IIIT-B's other initiatives include the E-Health Research Centre's collaboration with NIMHANS on the Tele-MANAS mental health programme, the AI for Inclusion (A4I) initiative with Microsoft Philanthropies, and advanced telecom R&D through the COMET Foundation. In recognition of its sustainability efforts, IIIT-B was awarded the International Green University Award for the third consecutive year. The governing body has also approved ₹817 crore for the construction of a new East Campus over the next seven years, the release said.
Mint
26-06-2025
- Mint
Mint Explainer: Would you make Sam Altman's eye scanner your online ID?
As governments digitize services, banks go virtual, and AI-powered impersonation surges, establishing 'who you are' through a reliable, globally accepted digital ID is becoming critical. Yet, according to the World Bank, more than 10% of the world's population—mostly in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia—still lacks any official or digital ID. Without identification, access to jobs, healthcare, financial support, mobile services, or even the right to vote can be severely limited. In this context, digital ID systems like India's Aadhaar, the open-source Modular Open Source Identity Platform (MOSIP) from the International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-Bangalore), and OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman-backed World ID are gaining traction. Also Read: Altman's Worldcoin idea is out to reinvent the Aadhaar wheel However, not all approaches are being embraced equally. Altman's World ID, which aims to verify humans through biometric scans to counter AI-driven bots, is raising privacy alarms. On 20 June, when Semafor reported that Reddit is considering adopting World ID to comply with potential age-verification rules and curb fake accounts, the idea sparked a backlash, with some users even threatening to leave the platform if the system is implemented. What's World ID? It is a relatively new entrant in the digital identity space. Aadhaar was launched in 2009, and nine years later, it inspired the creation of MOSIP. In 2019, Sam Altman and Alex Blania founded Tools for Humanity, which introduced a crypto project called World Coin and a World ID in July 2023 to verify users by scanning their eyes (iris) with a metallic device called the 'Orb'. World, a real human network, says it currently has 12 million people who have signed up globally, and 26 million app downloads. In comparison, the 12-digit Aadhaar has about 1.39 billion registered users to date, while MOSIP has 133 million registered users to date in 26 countries across Asia Pacific, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. In early May, Altman rebranded the biometric system as World and unveiled the Orb Mini, a portable iris scanner that generates a blockchain-based World ID. The Orb now also has a mobile-phone-size counterpart. The World ecosystem currently comprises the World ID, World App, World Chain, and the Worldcoin (WLD) crypto token. One may download the World App to locate a nearby World Space. According to the company, more than 7,000 of World's Orbs will be available for iris scans at physical 'World Space" locations in the US and in Razer (a lifestyle brand for gamers) stores. How does the technology work? World ID uses an Nvidia-powered device called the Orb to create a unique cryptographic code that confirms a user is a real, unique person. Built on an open-source, decentralized protocol, World ID allows broad developer access. The Orb encrypts and signs user photos for security, sends them to the user's phone via its server, and then deletes them. WLD, on the other hand, is capped at 10 billion tokens. It launched with 143 million—100 million loaned to market makers and the rest given to early verified users. WLD is now integrated with platforms like Tinder and supported by Visa and Stripe. Also Read: New Aadhaar law in the works to align with data privacy law World ID may sound similar to CAPTCHAs that prove to machines that you're a human through behavioural tests like image selection. But unlike CATPCHA, which is only a one-time requirement when accessing a website or online service, World ID aims to assign a persistent, global identity tied to one's biometric signature. The comparison to India's Aadhaar—the world's largest biometric ID programme—is also understandable. But Aadhaar is state-run and central to accessing everything from rations to banking in the country. It captures fingerprints, iris scans, and demographic data under a legal framework—albeit with its own controversies over privacy and exclusion. World ID, in contrast, is a private initiative. Its creators say World ID uses the open-source Semaphore protocol to prevent identity tracking across apps and publishes its code under an MIT-style licence that bans use for surveillance or rights-infringing purposes. They add that cryptographic protections like zero-knowledge proofs will ensure user anonymity, but these safeguards remain largely untested at scale. So, why are there concerns? While World has been launched in the US and the UK, regulatory pushback has been strong in other countries, with some banning Orb or Worldcoin, or both, outright. These include Brazil, Colombia, Germany, India, Kenya, Portugal, South Korea, Indonesia, and Spain, as well as the special administrative region of Hong Kong. The European Union (EU) has flagged potential violations of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), citing issues with meaningful consent and data irreversibility. Concerns about coercion are especially acute in low-income regions, where crypto incentives may push people to trade biometric data without fully understanding the risks. For instance, offline 'Orb' verifications and biometric identity-based user onboarding in India were stopped in late 2023. Besides, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has been consistent in expressing its displeasure with cryptocurrencies even as gains from cryptocurrencies in India are treated as income, and a 1% tax is deducted at the source. WLD is currently priced at ₹77.55 on the Coinbase exchange, a massive drop from its all-time high of ₹1,015.96 on 10 March 2024. With 1.66 billion WLD in circulation—17% of its 10 billion max supply—there were 322 trades involving 218 buyers and 117 sellers as on 25 June. There are other concerns, too. In a 21 May note, Andras Cser, VP and principal analyst at Forrester, pointed out that Orb faces several key challenges that could limit its broader adoption. For one, unlike most identity systems that rely on built-in mobile sensors like cameras or fingerprint readers, Orb requires a specialized iris scanner, adding hardware costs and integration hurdles. Second, without mobile-compatible sensors, it struggles to support common use cases like travel check-ins or online registration, and could face serious scalability issues. Accuracy is also a concern. Factors like alcohol consumption or eye disorders can reduce the reliability of iris scans, Cser noted. Also Read: Private companies can use Aadhaar infrastructure for identity checks again Privacy worries persist, as iris data, even if encrypted or deleted, raises questions about consent and data usage, Cser underscored. Security is another issue. Past hacks of iris scanners show they can be fooled by simple methods like doctored photos. Finally, Orb's system isn't linked to government-issued IDs like Aadhaar, limiting its utility for services that require formal verification, and its centralized design further restricts broader interoperability. As an example, MOSIP's fully open-source codebase is available on GitHub. It also collaborates with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), governments, and industry partners to develop open standards and protocols, ensuring easy integration, interoperability, and cost efficiency. Further, its mobile digital wallet, Inji, enables residents to access their digital identities even in remote areas with limited connectivity. Altman's World believes that the project '...could considerably increase economic opportunity, scale a reliable solution for distinguishing humans from AI online while preserving privacy, enable global democratic processes, and show a potential path to AI-funded UBI (Universal Basic Income)". However, the above-cited concerns underscore that the debate is not so much about whether digital identity is necessary in an AI-first world but more about who defines it, who profits from it, and whether consent can truly exist.
Mail & Guardian
11-06-2025
- Mail & Guardian
Digital ID is not digital colonialism – it's an investment in Africa's future
Africa is on the cusp of a digital transformation – and digital ID is the key to unlocking it. By the end of 2025, there will be 9.5 billion people on Earth, and 25% of these people will be African. By 2100, that number will rise to 4 in 10. Africa is also the youngest continent, with a median age of 18 and 40% of its population under 14. Empowering this generation means more than just smartphones and internet access – it means building the foundational infrastructure to enable people to participate in society, protect their rights, and access opportunities. Digital ID is one of those structures. With over 500 million Africans still lacking a formal ID, closing this gap represents one of the greatest opportunities for inclusive growth on the continent. There's already clear evidence of how safe, inclusive digital ID is driving development and improving citizens' lives across Africa, expanding access to healthcare, education, and financial services. This especially impacts those who have historically been excluded – from women without documentation to rural populations without access to banks. Several African countries have opted to transition their national ID systems into digital ID systems, providing more streamlined access to basic services, including education, healthcare, and social support payments. Ethiopia is adopting digital ID using MOSIP's open source ID platform, which not only guarantees national sovereignty but also aims to enrol at least 100 million Ethiopians. At Co-Develop, we work with governments and civil society to ensure digital ID systems are built in a way that earns trust. That includes supporting tools like MOSIP and contributing to frameworks like the UNDP Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Safeguards, which help countries design infrastructure that protects rights from the start. This means embedding transparency, security, and accountability into every layer of system design—and involving the public in the process. Yet, there are still concerns and misconceptions surrounding digital ID, from fears of surveillance to claims of Western-driven agendas. These fears are not a reason to reject this technology. They signal a need for deeper engagement, so that we can overcome the barriers preventing Africans from enjoying the benefits of digital ID. What Africa needs now is an informed discourse about how digital ID can empower citizens, protect human rights, and drive inclusive growth, underpinned by robust safeguards. Some have argued that digital ID is a modern form of digital colonialism, shaped by external agendas and rooted in data extraction. But that misrepresents both the intent and the architecture of many of the systems being adopted across Africa. Open-source, safe-by-design platforms like MOSIP are designed with privacy, data minimization, and citizen control at their core. These platforms empower countries to adopt digital ID systems tailored to national laws and values and to store data under their control, forgoing dependence on private vendors or foreign entities. What is more, it's increasingly clear that African governments, technologists, and civil society are at the forefront of efforts to improve governance around digital ID systems, not passive actors. Initiatives like ID4Africa demonstrate that countries across the continent are shaping digital ID systems on their own terms, grounded in local priorities, values, and debate. At the ID4Africa 2025 AGM, both state and civil society actors from countries across Africa converged in Addis Ababa to have a constructive discourse on digital ID and how we can prioritize its use while accelerating impact. Representatives from over 48 African countries were present at this year's event, showcasing the importance of this conversation to both Governments and the enabling ecosystem. Ultimately, every new technology offers a chance to explore new frontiers that can accelerate economic growth and societal progress. With South Africa's G20 presidency this year, the continent has an unprecedented opportunity to not only scale adoption of digital ID and DPI but to shape the global governance around them. The real question is not whether we should build digital ID systems. Rather, it's about how we build them and who they serve. It is therefore critical to increase efforts to inform Africans about digital ID, highlighting both the benefits and the challenges that need to be responsibly addressed. If we don't encourage transparent and honest debate, we risk alienating people from transformative technology to the detriment of Africa's future.
