The 2025 edition of the Digital Citizen Summit in Hyderabad (14–15 November) is focusing sharply on the changing relationship between people, platforms, and responsibility — with AI as a central theme. Organized in collaboration with the Government of Telangana, the summit’s theme is “People & Platforms: Let’s Talk Accountability.” The event aims to bring together civil society, technology experts, and policymakers to talk about how AI is not just a technical tool, but a force that’s shaping democratic participation, public services, and citizen rights.
One major discussion track is on governance and regulation. Participants are expected to debate how platforms should be held accountable, how public institutions can use AI responsibly, and what kinds of digital infrastructures should be treated as public goods. Given the rapid spread of generative AI, the summit is also raising questions about how to ensure AI systems operate in a way that respects transparency, fairness, and civic agency.
Another critical area is work and empowerment: how AI might transform jobs, possibly displacing certain roles, but also creating new ones. The summit provides a platform for exploring how digital skills training, AI literacy, and inclusive tech policies can help citizens adapt to these changes rather than be left behind. By centering people (not just platforms), this conversation aims to make sure technological gains don’t concentrate power but benefit a broader base of citizens.
Finally, the Digital Citizen Summit is acting as a bridge for innovation and accountability. It’s not just about raising theoretical questions — it’s also about building practical frameworks for participation, such as AI‑powered public services and citizen-centric governance models. In this way, Telangana is positioning itself not just as a regional digital leader, but as a testbed for how AI and society can co-evolve in ways that respect both innovation and democratic norms.
