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AI Summit 2026: DNEG's Merzin Tavaria Says Social Media, Not AI, Is the Real Threat

Merzin Tavaria, co-founder of DNEG, stated at the AI Summit 2026 that artificial intelligence itself is not a threat, but rather the vast amount of content generated on social media. He emphasized that technology must be adapted and embraced, noting DNEG already uses AI in various stages of its creative projects. The summit, hosted in India, brings together global leaders to showcase AI applications and foster partnerships. It aligns with India's strategic initiatives like the IndiaAI Mission, highlighting the country's intent to bridge innovation and impact in the AI sector.

Key Points: AI Summit 2026: Social Media Poses Bigger Threat Than AI

  • AI should be adapted and embraced
  • Social media content is a greater threat than AI tech
  • DNEG integrates AI into creative processes
  • Summit aims to translate AI into development outcomes
3 min read

I don't think AI poses a threat, social media does: DNEG co-founder Merzin Tavaria on embracing technology

DNEG co-founder Merzin Tavaria at AI Summit 2026 argues AI should be embraced, while social media content poses the real societal threat.

"I don't think AI poses a threat. What actually poses a threat is that there is a lot of social media and content coming out of it. - Merzin Tavaria"

New Delhi, February 16

Merzin Tavaria, co-founder and President of Global Production and Operations at DNEG, a leading visual effects and animation company, on Monday reflected on the rapid expansion of Artificial Intelligence, noting that social media poses a greater threat than the technology itself.

Speaking to ANI, Tavaria, who was present at the AI Summit 2026, shared his thoughts on the rise of AI, "It is always nice to see technology coming up in a big way at these kind of events. AI is quite an important subject. There's a buzz about it everywhere. We should start seeing a lot of AI in our lives. I don't think AI poses a threat. What actually poses a threat is that there is a lot of social media and content coming out of it. You cannot stop technology as technology is here to stay."

He emphasised how Artificial Intelligence is meant to be adapted and embraced, further adding, "You have to adapt it and embrace it. If used in the right way, it will definitely help you along the way."

Tavaria also highlighted how DNEG has integrated AI into its creative processes. "All of our new projects have started using AI in some shape or form. We are not yet making full AI-based content, because the kind of work we do right now requires a very high level of finish and art direction. Today, we are using AI in different departments and in various ways for development, conceptualisation, and also toward final-pixel finishing," he explained.

Meanwhile, the summit, the first global AI event hosted in the Global South, being held from February 16 to 20 at Bharat Mandapam, brings together policymakers, technology leaders, researchers, startups, and investors from around the world to showcase real-world AI applications and foster international partnerships in the rapidly evolving field of AI.

The summit aims to translate AI innovations into actionable development outcomes aligned with India's strategic initiatives, such as the IndiaAI Mission and Digital India.

An official release said that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a key enabler of India's development journey, strengthening governance and transforming public service delivery in alignment with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.The Expo is being held across 10 arenas covering more than 70,000 square metres and hosts global technology companies, startups, academia, research institutions, Union Ministries, State Governments, and international partners.

Thirteen country pavilions are highlighting international collaboration in the AI ecosystem, including participation from Australia, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Serbia, Estonia, Tajikistan and African nations.

More than 300 curated exhibition pavilions and live demonstrations are being organised across three thematic "chakras"--People, Planet, and Progress--reflecting AI's broad-based impact across sectors.

Over 600 high-potential startups are participating, many of whom are building globally relevant and population-scale AI solutions already deployed in real-world settings.

The Expo is expected to attract over 2.5 lakh visitors, including international delegates, and aims to foster global partnerships and business opportunities within the AI ecosystem.

In addition, more than 500 sessions featuring over 3,250 speakers and panellists will be conducted during the event.

Under the IndiaAI Mission, the country is unveiling 12 indigenous foundation models developed by homegrown startups and consortia, trained on vast Indian datasets and tailored to the nation's 22 official languages.

For India, a nation projected to see its AI market surge past USD 17 billion by 2027, this summit is more than a diplomatic triumph - it's a declaration of intent.

With 800 million internet users, a booming startup scene, and world-class digital public infrastructure, India is positioning itself as the bridge between innovation and impact.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
So proud to see India hosting such a massive global summit! Bharat Mandapam is the perfect venue. The focus on 12 indigenous foundation models for our 22 languages is the key. We need our own AI, trained on our data, for our unique problems. Jai Hind!
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Rohit P
I respectfully disagree with the co-founder on one thing. While social media is a problem, unregulated AI development by private companies also poses a huge threat to jobs, especially in creative fields like VFX. We need strong policies, not just enthusiasm.
S
Sarah B
As someone working in tech, this is exciting. The scale is mind-blowing - 70,000 sq m, 300 pavilions! India is truly becoming the global AI hub. The collaboration with so many countries shows this isn't just an Indian story, it's a global one being written here.
K
Karthik V
The part about using AI for "final-pixel finishing" in movies is fascinating. Imagine the next big Indian epic film with AI-enhanced visuals! But we must ensure our storytellers and artists lead the process, not just the machines. Our culture is our strength.
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Michael C
The "People, Planet, and Progress" chakras theme is brilliant. It grounds a high-tech conversation in real-world impact. Hope the discussions lead to concrete solutions for agriculture, healthcare, and climate – areas where India can lead the world.

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