UN report warns that AI could widen gap between global rich and poor

BANGKOK (AP) Beneath the excitement surrounding artificial intelligence, there are significant challenges, particularly regarding its impact on populations already disadvantaged in a data-centric world. A recent United Nations Development Program report warns that, without deliberate interventions, the primary benefits of AI are likely to favor wealthier nations, rather than helping close gaps in access to essential services and advanced technologies.

The report, released Tuesday, draws a parallel with the Great Divergence of the industrial revolution, when Western countries modernized rapidly while others lagged. There is widespread concern about how businesses and institutions will implement AI, given its potential to replace or transform human jobs through automation and robotics.

While much attention is given to productivity, competitiveness, and economic growth, the report emphasizes that the most pressing question is the impact on human lives. Communities facing limited access to skills, electricity, and internet connectivityas well as older populations and those affected by war, civil unrest, or climate disastersare at risk of being overlooked in data-driven AI systems.

As a general-purpose technology, AI can boost productivity, generate new industries, and help lagging regions catch up, the report states. AI applications such as improved farming guidance, rapid X-ray analysis, accelerated medical diagnostics, and better weather and disaster forecasting hold significant promise for rural and disaster-prone areas.

AI tools that analyze poverty, health, and disaster risks can lead to faster, fairer, and more transparent decisions, transforming data into actionable insights and public value. Yet even in wealthy nations, concerns arise about AI data centers consuming excessive electricity and water, potentially conflicting with efforts to reduce carbon emissions and posing health risks.

The technology also presents ethical, privacy, and cybersecurity challenges. Researchers have identified AI-assisted cyberattacks and deepfakes that can spread misinformation or facilitate criminal activity. Asian countries like China, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore are well-positioned to benefit from AI, while nations such as Afghanistan, the Maldives, and Myanmar face barriers including limited skills and unreliable power.

Regional disparities within countries mean even advanced economies risk leaving some communities behind. Approximately a quarter of the Asia-Pacific population lacks internet access, limiting their ability to use digital devices, payment systems, digital IDs, and online educationessential for participation in the AI-driven global economy. These populations risk being stranded on the wrong side of technological progress.

Additional risks include disinformation, privacy violations, and AI systems acting as black boxes, reinforcing biases against marginalized groups. Transparency and effective regulations are vital to ensure AI is deployed fairly and responsibly.

AI is becoming critical infrastructure in the region, comparable to power, roads, and schools, offering rapid benefits but carrying significant risks, the report states. Governments are urged to invest in digital infrastructure, education and training, fair competition, and social protections. The overarching aim is to democratize AI access so all countries and communities can benefit while safeguarding those most vulnerable to disruption.

Author: Sophia Brooks