Can blockchain fix AI? Vanar Vision panel thinks so

Online, we’re tracked, targeted, and often misunderstood. But what if the next phase of the internet actually worked for you?

That was the question posed by experts at Vanar Vision, on the sidelines of TOKEN2049 Dubai, who outlined a future driven by AI and blockchain – one where users gain control over their data and their digital identities.

During a panel discussion at the event, technology leaders from Google Cloud, Inflectiv, and Vanar explored how artificial intelligence and blockchain could transform our digital lives. The conversation spanned everything from data privacy and personalization to the broader theme of empowerment.

“We’re standing at the convergence of AI, of financial autonomy, and on-chain intelligence,” said Jawad Ashraf, CEO of Vanar, setting an ambitious tone for the panel. The discussion wasn’t just about innovation – it was about reimagining the internet’s relationship with its users.

Fixing the data problem in AI systems

Data emerged as the critical foundation of this technological shift. Subhabrata Banerjee from Google Cloud raised a core concern: “Is the data complete? Is the data curated? Is the data trustworthy?”

He shared a striking example – an AI system that attempted to fix cars using outdated manuals from the 1970s – to show how poor data can derail even the most advanced systems.

Moderator Alnura Belyalova, PR Director at Input Global, summarized the dilemma: “We are currently facing a challenge of so much AI data getting generated,” adding that trust, transparency, and provenance are becoming harder to ensure.

How blockchain gives users control over their data

Matthias Mandiau, CTO of Inflectiv, argued that blockchain could offer a solution by introducing “transparency, ownership, and incentivization” into the way we handle information. In other words, individuals could be compensated for sharing their data, flipping today’s model where tech giants profit from it without consent.

Ashraf added that the integration of AI and blockchain will require evolution on both sides. “Right now, we talk about blockchain and AI – blockchain is the old technology. AI is a new technology. So blockchains need to get smarter.”

He described data from individuals and companies – especially unstructured data – as the fuel for the next generation of intelligent systems.

Building trust through personalization and real-world impact

One of the most exciting prospects discussed was a future where digital experiences feel deeply personal – without compromising user control. Mandiau envisioned an online world where “everything online seems to be personalized and relevant.” That could mean shopping suggestions, travel plans, and educational content that adapt to your interests in real time.

At the same time, he acknowledged public hesitation: “People are skeptical, right? Every single technology in the history of humankind – at the beginning, people [resist it].” But with careful implementation, personalization could finally feel helpful rather than invasive.

For Banerjee, AI’s real promise lies in its ability to unlock human potential. He described it as “freedom… Everyone can code, whether you have a professional computer science degree or not.”

The same could apply to creating music, launching startups, or exploring creative work previously limited by technical knowledge.

Healthcare featured prominently in the discussion as a space where AI and blockchain could have immediate impact. The panelists described how blockchain could allow patients to share sensitive medical data selectively – helping researchers while protecting privacy.

Banerjee pointed to real-world examples where organizations are cautiously starting to expose secure datasets to AI systems. “Differentiation is when that secure piece of data that is sitting within organizations is exposed to AI and the model starts learning from it,” he said – a challenge especially pressing in finance and medicine.

Challenges ahead for scaling and adoption

While the vision was bold, the speakers were realistic about the road ahead. Ashraf noted that most of the companies that will define the space likely haven’t emerged yet. “Being first is never going to put you into first place,” he said, adding that we’re only seeing “10%” of the future key players.

Mandiau and Ashraf also raised concerns about sustainability. As the volume of data grows, AI systems must become more efficient. They agreed that making data more relevant and targeted will be essential to reducing energy waste.

Unlike the impersonal feel of many digital platforms today, this vision of the internet is built around the individual. It’s not just about smarter machines – it’s about giving people more say in the systems they use every day.

As Banerjee put it, AI could help users “pursue their own tastes, their own hobbies, their own professional careers” – with new levels of support and accessibility.

Or as Mandiau concluded, “Every technology can provide benefits if we approach it thoughtfully.”