Emerging Tech and Social Equity: The Dual Faces of AI Development
As 2023 unfolds, the landscape of cyber and artificial intelligence (AI) competition is rapidly evolving. This dynamic is leading to what can be termed the next “gold rush” in AI capabilities, significantly impacting Tech-economics and scientific advancement. However, this surge is not without its disparities.
A crucial aspect of this development is the growing social divide, as highlighted in the report “Digitally Divided: Technology, inequality, and human rights.”
This article examines how emerging technologies are shaping a future that could widen the gap between technologically advanced nations and those less equipped, affecting employment and educational standards globally.
The Global AI Competitive Landscape
The AI landscape in 2023 is marked by stark contrasts. On one end, advanced nations are rapidly integrating AI into their economies, leveraging these technologies to gain a competitive edge.
On the other, less technologically capable nations struggle to provide their workforce with the necessary skills to adapt to these changes. This divide is not just a matter of economic disparity but also reflects the varying levels of regulatory maturity across countries.
As Nikki Sun, an associate with the Digital Society Initiative of Chatham House notes,
“The focus on catastrophic risks in elite AI discussions overlooks the day-to-day struggles of those already affected by AI in the Global South.”
Social and Economic Impacting Inequalities Across Asia
The Amnesty International report, “Digitally Divided,” sheds light on how emerging technologies exacerbate social, racial, and economic inequalities.
“Many of today’s technologies are built upon models of economic extraction that perpetuate historical biases,” explains Eliza Aspen, a researcher at Amnesty International.
This trend is particularly alarming in Asia, a significant contributor to the global AI value chain, yet home to a large population affected by these disparities.
Asia’s role in global AI governance discussions is crucial, given its position both as a key supplier of AI components and a region significantly impacted by AI-induced socio-economic changes.
The region provides essential resources and labor for AI development but simultaneously faces job displacement and economic challenges due to the same technology.
The Risk of Exacerbating Global Inequality
AI’s impact on employment is profound, with even skilled jobs like junior positions in administration and accounting facing threats.
The transition from repetitive manufacturing jobs to AI-driven roles in developing countries like China, India, and Southeast Asia is creating new low-value jobs, perpetuating global inequality.
This shift poses a significant challenge, as AI begins to outperform humans in tasks once considered secure employment avenues for low-income families.
The rapid pace of AI development, primarily driven by a few large companies in the Global North, leaves less developed states struggling to catch up.
This gap in capabilities risks entrenching these nations at the bottom of the global AI value chain, increasing the digital divide and potentially entrapping workers and entire nations in a cycle of economic dependency and instability.
The Call for Inclusive Governance
The upcoming 2024 AI Safety Summit in South Korea offers an opportunity for Asian countries to voice their concerns and perspectives.
It is essential for these nations to engage in the global conversation on AI governance to ensure their interests are represented.
Domestic policies guiding participation in global AI value chains are crucial for managing the socio-economic impacts of AI.
The AI revolution is reshaping the global landscape, offering immense economic opportunities but also posing significant risks.
As AI continues to advance, it is imperative to address the social and economic inequalities it exacerbates.
For AI to be a true force for empowerment and growth, its adoption must be balanced with the societal and economic adaptation of nations and their people.
The future depends on a collaborative and inclusive approach to AI governance, one that bridges the widening digital divide and fosters global cooperation for sustainable and equitable development.
