Mr. Kajamugan Waratharaja, the Head of Software at LK Domain Registry, spoke to ITN Digital Channel about AI for the Public.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic idea. It’s not rocket science anymore and it’s no longer limited to tech experts. Today, AI is part of everyone’s daily life, silently working in the background to make things faster, smarter, and more efficient.
Let’s explore what AI really is, where it’s used, the myths surrounding it, the risks we should be aware of, and finally how we, as the public, can use AI responsibly and effectively.
🤖 What is AI?
AI stands for
Artificial Intelligence. In simple terms, it means creating machines or
computer systems that can learn and think like humans.
Just as a child learns by hearing, seeing, touching, tasting, and smelling their surroundings, machines also ‘learn’ by processing massive amounts of data from the internet, sensors, and connected devices.
🧩 Will AI Replace
Humans?
Not anytime
soon. Apple’s 2025 research showed that even the most advanced AI systems
failed to solve simple puzzle games like Tower of Hanoi or River Crossing, that
children can easily solve. This reminds us that AI lacks human creativity,
empathy, and common sense.
📱 How AI Already
Powers Your Everyday Life
You might not
realize it, but AI is everywhere:
- When you unlock your smartphone with a fingerprint, AI-powered biometrics verify you.
- When you order a ride on PickMe or track food delivery, AI predicts arrival times using live traffic data.
- Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant understand your voice and respond instantly.
- YouTube recommendations, email auto-complete, and chatbots all use AI to anticipate your needs.
AI has quietly become your invisible assistant, saving time and making daily life smoother.
🧠 Common Myths About
AI
Myth 1: “AI will replace humans.”
Reality: AI is designed to augment, not replace human intelligence.
Myth 2: “AI is only for tech experts.”
Reality: Tools like Canva AI, ChatGPT, and Google Translate make AI accessible to everyone.
Myth 3: “AI is always fair and correct.”
Reality: AI learns from data, and if that data is biased, AI can make biased decisions.
🌿 How AI Helps Solve
Global Challenges
- Wildlife Conservation: The WildME Project uses AI to identify and track endangered animals.
- Agriculture: Plantix uses AI drones and sensors to detect crop diseases early and optimize water use.
- Medicine: The Da Vinci 5 surgical system uses AI to assist doctors with greater precision.
- Creativity: Brev AI composes music from your lyrics in the style of famous composers.
💡 How You Can Use AI
Wisely
AI is a
powerful assistant, if used responsibly.
For
Students:
- Use ChatGPT to summarize complex topics.
- Try Khan Academy’s AI coach for exam prep.
- Use Grammarly to enhance writing skills.
For Teachers
- Design slides with Canva AI.
- Translate lessons with Google Translate.
- Personalize learning materials using AI insights.
For Small Businesses:
- Create marketing visuals and posts with Canva AI.
- Use ChatGPT to write product descriptions or ads.
Example: A
bakery in Singapore used Canva AI and ChatGPT to design Instagram
campaigns—tripling engagement.
⚠️ The Risks of AI You
Should Know
- Job Automation: McKinsey predicts 14% of jobs could be automated by 2030.
- Weaponization: AI could be misused in military or surveillance systems.
🧭 How to Stay
Vigilant with AI
- Fact-check AI outputs before believing or sharing them
- Never share personal data with random AI apps
- Teach AI literacy to your children and family
- Stay in control: Remember, AI is a tool to support your thinking, not replace it.
💬 Final Thoughts
“AI can boost
your power, only if you control the tool, not let the tool control you.”
AI isn’t magic: it’s a powerful assistant. With awareness, ethics, and
creativity, AI can help us solve some of humanity’s biggest challenges.