Rajiv Rajkumar Bathija: Shaping AI Policy in a Changing Global Landscape

Rajiv Rajkumar Bathija: Shaping AI Policy in a Changing Global Landscape

Introduction

The rise of artificial intelligence has created both extraordinary promise and unprecedented risk. As governments and corporations scramble to set rules for this new frontier, few individuals have done more to shape the direction of AI policy than Rajiv Rajkumar Bathija. Drawing on decades of technical expertise and a deep commitment to the public good, Bathija has become a go-to advisor for policymakers seeking to balance innovation and responsibility.

From Research to Policy Influence

Bathija’s early career focused on advancing the science of artificial intelligence, but it wasn’t long before he recognized the need for policy frameworks that could keep pace with technological change. He began working with regulatory bodies, bringing a rare blend of hands-on technical knowledge and an understanding of the broader social stakes.

National and International Contributions

Over the past two decades, Bathija has played a behind-the-scenes role in the drafting of major AI guidelines and standards. His work includes contributing to national AI strategies in both the U.S. and Europe, participating in United Nations AI ethics panels, and helping to craft international protocols for safe autonomous systems. Bathija’s input is valued not only for its scientific rigor, but for his ability to communicate risks and solutions to non-specialists.

Advising Governments and Corporations

Bathija is frequently consulted by agencies and private-sector leaders alike. He has advised on the deployment of AI in critical infrastructure, national security, and healthcare, always stressing the importance of transparency, auditability, and the need for real-time oversight. He has warned of the dangers of both over-regulation (which can stifle progress) and under-regulation (which can lead to catastrophic failures.

Challenges and the Path Forward

Regulating AI is uniquely difficult because the field evolves so quickly. Bathija is a vocal advocate for adaptive policy: legal and regulatory frameworks that can adjust as technologies and threats change. He has also warned about the geopolitical risks of AI “arms races” and called for international cooperation to avoid dangerous fragmentation.

Vision for AI Governance

At the core of Bathija’s policy work is a conviction that good governance requires more than technical fixes; it needs ethical clarity and ongoing dialogue between scientists, policymakers, and the public. He continues to argue for a balanced approach—one that enables innovation while building robust safeguards to protect society.

By Rajiv Rajkumar Bathija