In a recent turn of events, Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal found himself at odds with LinkedIn, expressing frustration over the removal of his post addressing the use of gender pronouns. The conflict ignited when LinkedIn’s AI referred to Aggarwal using the pronoun ‘they’ instead of ‘he,’ prompting him to question the platform’s neutrality and accusing it of pushing a political agenda.
Aggarwal took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to vent his dissatisfaction, revealing that LinkedIn had deleted his post without prior notification or explanation. Despite the removal, Aggarwal affirmed his determination to share his opinions, hinting at forthcoming actions to address the issue.
Beyond his personal grievance, Aggarwal’s critique highlights a broader concern about the technological influence exerted by foreign corporations over Indian users. He accused LinkedIn of imposing a political ideology on Indian users through its AI algorithms, calling attention to the potential dangers of external entities shaping Indian discourse.
The incident underscores the imperative for India to develop indigenous technology platforms to ensure autonomy in the digital realm. Aggarwal advocates for reducing dependence on foreign entities and building homegrown tech solutions that align with Indian values and priorities.
Furthermore, Aggarwal’s stance emphasizes the need for a digital public infrastructure framework guided by Indian law. He asserts that such a framework would protect Indian culture and inclusivity without succumbing to external influences, ensuring that technological development remains aligned with India’s unique identity and aspirations.
As Aggarwal continues to navigate this dispute with LinkedIn, his advocacy for technological sovereignty and cultural preservation resonates with broader conversations about India’s digital future and the role of indigenous innovation in shaping it.
