Bridging the AI Divide: How Artificial Intelligence May Widen or Narrow Global Inequality

AI's Impact Could Worsen Gaps Between World's Rich And Poor: United Nations

Bangkok:

Beneath the excitement surrounding artificial intelligence's potential lies concerning realities about how this technology may affect already disadvantaged populations in our increasingly data-driven society.

A recent United Nations Development Program report highlights that wealthy nations will likely reap most AI benefits unless deliberate actions are taken to leverage this technology to reduce disparities in basic necessities and technological access.

Published Tuesday, the report draws parallels to the "Great Divergence" during the industrial revolution, when Western countries experienced rapid modernization while others lagged behind.

Concerns about how businesses and institutions will utilize AI are widespread, given its potential to transform or eliminate human jobs through computerization and automation.

While much AI discourse centers on productivity, competitiveness, and economic growth, the report emphasizes that the more crucial question concerns its impact on human lives.

This issue particularly affects communities struggling with skills development, electricity access, and internet connectivity, as well as elderly populations and those displaced by conflicts or climate disasters. Simultaneously, these vulnerable groups may remain "invisible" in datasets that fail to account for them.

"As a general-purpose technology, AI can lift productivity, spark new industries, and help latecomers catch up," states the report.

Rural communities and disaster-prone regions could benefit from improved agricultural guidance, rapid X-ray analysis, faster medical diagnoses, enhanced weather forecasts, and more effective damage assessments.

"AI systems that analyze poverty, health, and disaster risks enable faster, fairer, and more transparent decisions, turning data into continuous learning and public value," the report notes.

Nevertheless, even in prosperous nations like the United States, concerns exist about data centers consuming excessive electricity and water resources. Increasing power generation to meet higher demand may impede progress in reducing carbon emissions from fossil fuels that contribute to climate change, while also creating health hazards.

The technology raises ethical, privacy, and cybersecurity concerns, with researchers discovering hackers using AI to automate cyberattack components. Additionally, deepfakes present risks of misinformation and criminal facilitation.

Asian countries including China, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore are well-positioned to leverage AI tools, while regions like Afghanistan, the Maldives, and Myanmar lack the necessary skills, reliable power, and resources to utilize AI's computing capabilities. Even in advanced economies, regional inequalities mean some areas risk being left behind.

Approximately 25% of the Asia-Pacific region lacks internet access, according to the report. If these gaps remain unaddressed, millions may be excluded from devices, digital payment systems, digital identification, and educational opportunities required for full participation in the global economy. They could become "stranded on the wrong side of an AI-driven global economy."

Additional risks include misinformation spread, privacy violations through surveillance, and "black box" systems that reinforce biases against minorities and other groups. Therefore, transparency and effective regulations are crucial safeguards for ensuring fair and accountable AI implementation.

"AI is becoming the region's next essential infrastructure, like power, roads, and schools, with faster upsides and sharper risks," the report states, urging governments to increase investments in digital infrastructure, education, training, fair competition, and social protections.

"The goal," it concludes, "is to democratize access to AI so that every country and community can benefit while protecting those most at risk from disruption."