The rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) could exacerbate global inequality unless access to technology, infrastructure, and expertise becomes more widespread, according to the United Nations. A recent report from an independent UN scientific panel on AI indicates that merely providing access to AI tools does not ensure equitable benefits. It warns that nations reliant on external AI models, cloud systems, and data infrastructure might find it challenging to manage standards, safety measures, and local adaptations.
The report outlines both the potential advantages and threats associated with AI. While AI offers significant opportunities for advancements in healthcare, education, and agriculture, its misuse could lead to increased fraud, misinformation, and pose risks to democratic systems. To mitigate such risks, the UN panel suggests that countries should focus on building local AI infrastructure, developing data centers, enhancing digital skills, promoting AI education, and establishing robust safety research and monitoring systems.
Currently, the development of AI is primarily driven by major economies like the United States and China, which excel in creating advanced AI models and computing infrastructure. Experts caution that this concentration of AI development could restrict the involvement of developing nations, potentially widening the existing global divide in technology access and benefits.
Language barriers and unequal internet access were also identified as significant hurdles. Many AI systems are optimized for widely spoken languages, leaving billions of people who are disconnected from the internet at a disadvantage, unable to leverage AI advancements effectively. This disparity highlights the need for more inclusive technology solutions that consider diverse linguistic and connectivity challenges.
The United Nations emphasizes the importance of international cooperation and responsible AI development to ensure that the technology fosters inclusive growth rather than deepening existing global disparities. By working together, countries can help guarantee that AI advancements contribute positively to global development and do not become a source of further inequality.