The rapid growth of artificial intelligence presents a significant risk of exacerbating global inequality, the United Nations has cautioned. A new report from an independent UN scientific panel on AI suggests that without equitable access to technology, infrastructure, and expertise, the benefits of AI could remain the privilege of a select few countries and companies.
Merely offering access to AI tools is not sufficient to ensure that their advantages are evenly distributed, the report warns. Nations that rely heavily on AI models, cloud systems, and data infrastructure from abroad may find themselves disadvantaged, unable to regulate standards, implement safety measures, or tailor AI applications to their specific needs. The report underscores the dual nature of AI—its potential to revolutionize sectors like healthcare, education, and agriculture, and the dangers it poses if misused, such as facilitating fraud, spreading misinformation, and undermining democratic systems.
To counteract these risks, the UN panel advises countries to invest in their own AI infrastructure, data centers, digital skills, and AI education. Additionally, there should be a focus on safety research and robust systems for monitoring AI deployment to ensure performance and compliance with local needs. The panel highlights that the current landscape of AI development is primarily dominated by economic powerhouses like the United States and China, whose leadership in advanced AI models and computing infrastructure could marginalize developing nations.
Challenges such as language barriers and unequal internet access further compound the issue. Many AI systems are optimized for widely spoken languages, leaving billions without internet access at a disadvantage and limiting their ability to benefit from AI’s advancements. The report calls for international cooperation and the responsible development of AI technologies to promote inclusive growth and prevent the widening of existing global disparities.