Infosys Founder Slams AI Hype, Calls for Ethical Marketing in Tech

Infosys founder Narayana Murthy on AI has triggered controversy in the technology sector by accusing businesses of labeling normal software as artificial intelligence (AI). According to India today, speaking at the TiE Con Mumbai 2025, Murthy said, “I think somehow it has become a fashion in India to talk of AI for everything. I have seen several normal, ordinary programs touted as AI.”

In his latest comments, he was worried about how companies are applying the tag of AI to exaggerate the perceived value of their products. His comments come at a time when AI is being touted as a game-changer in every field, but not every usage justifies the hype.

Narayana Murthy AI Criticism

In his remarks, Narayana Murthy’s AI criticism centered on the way businesses are deceiving customers by selling conventional software as AI-based. He noted that true AI involves sophisticated learning abilities and profound problem-solving mechanisms, which most so-called AI solutions do not possess. Murthy warned that such deceptive labeling may lead to disappointment among consumers and investors who anticipate revolutionary breakthroughs.

His fears are especially pertinent in the aftermath of many startups and tech companies employing the AI buzzword to raise funds, even if their technologies fall short of the real definition of artificial intelligence. He called on the tech sector to be honest in how they promote their innovations.

Murthy said, “ Deep learning uses the data to create new branches of programs or new conditions. And then it will be able to take decisions. But what I am seeing being called AI is silly, old programs.”

Infosys Founder AI Statement

The Infosys founder’s AI statement also addressed the general effect of overhyping AI. Murthy feels that exaggeration of AI technologies can result in unrealistic expectations and regulatory pressure. He underlined that though AI is a powerful tool, firms need to concentrate on actual innovation and not rename old technologies for business purposes.

Murthy also underscored the role of industry players and policymakers in defining and establishing standards for AI. In so doing, the industry can retain trust and have AI-based solutions deliver real value as opposed to mere marketing value.

A Widespread Issue in Tech

The controversy around AI branding has been around, but Murthy’s comments sparked renewed debate around the morality of marketing technology. Most industry pundits concur that firms tend to tout AI usage without actually presenting tangible innovations. This deception could retard the advancement of the sector by redirecting investments away from genuinely innovative AI-based projects.

In other instances, software that just automates straightforward tasks or executes simple algorithms is sold as AI, muddling what exactly AI is. Murthy’s position emphasizes the importance of having clear demarcation among automation, machine learning, and actual artificial intelligence.