UN Report Warns AI Could Widen Global Wealth Gaps

A recent report from the United Nations Development Program highlights the potential for artificial intelligence (AI) to exacerbate existing inequalities between wealthy and impoverished nations. Released in Bangkok on October 10, 2023, the report warns that without proactive measures, the benefits of AI will predominantly favor affluent countries, leaving disadvantaged communities further marginalized. This concern echoes the historical context of the “Great Divergence” during the industrial revolution, where rapid modernization in Western nations contrasted sharply with stagnation in others.

AI’s Dual Potential

The report draws attention to the dual nature of AI as a transformative technology. While it holds promise for enhancing productivity and creating new industries, the authors emphasize that its impact on human lives is of paramount importance. Many individuals in less developed areas still struggle with access to basic needs, including education, electricity, and internet connectivity. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those displaced by conflict or climate change, may remain “invisible” in the data that AI systems utilize.

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

AI has the potential to deliver significant benefits to rural communities, such as improved agricultural advice, rapid analysis of medical imaging, and enhanced disaster response capabilities. The report underscores that AI systems can facilitate faster, fairer, and more transparent decision-making processes regarding poverty, health, and disaster risks, thereby creating public value.

Risks and Ethical Concerns

Despite these advantages, the report raises alarms over the energy consumption of AI technologies. In wealthy nations like the United States, the burgeoning demand for data centers risks increasing electricity and water usage, potentially hindering efforts to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. Ethical issues surrounding privacy and cybersecurity are also pressing, as researchers have noted that hackers are employing AI to automate cyberattacks. Additionally, the proliferation of deepfakes can mislead the public and facilitate criminal activities.

Regions like China, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore are well-positioned to leverage AI innovations, while countries such as Afghanistan, the Maldives, and Myanmar face significant barriers. The report indicates that about 25% of the Asia-Pacific region lacks reliable online access, which could further entrench existing inequalities within and between nations.

If disparities in access to AI technologies remain unaddressed, millions could be excluded from digital advancements essential for participating fully in the global economy. The report warns that these individuals risk being “stranded on the wrong side of an AI-driven global economy.”

Furthermore, the report highlights the dangers of misinformation, privacy violations, and biases that AI systems may inadvertently reinforce. It calls for increased transparency and effective regulatory frameworks to ensure that AI is utilized in ways that are equitable and accountable.

In conclusion, the report positions AI as a critical infrastructure for the future, akin to power, roads, and education. It urges governments to invest in digital infrastructure, education and training, fair competition, and social protection to democratize access to AI. The ultimate goal, according to the report, is to ensure that every country and community can benefit from AI while safeguarding those most vulnerable to disruption.