UN Report Warns AI May Widen Global Inequalities

A United Nations report released Tuesday warns that artificial intelligence could exacerbate global inequalities, potentially creating a new divide between wealthy and developing nations unless targeted policies promote equitable access to the technology.

The report, titled "The Next Great Divergence: Why AI May Widen Inequality Between Countries," was issued by the United Nations Development Programme's Asia-Pacific regional bureau during a launch event in Bangkok. It draws parallels to the Industrial Revolution, when rapid advancements in Western countries left others behind, reversing decades of global progress in reducing income, health and education disparities. Without intervention, the authors argue, AI's benefits will primarily accrue to advanced economies, while poorer regions struggle with limited digital infrastructure, skills and connectivity.

AI holds significant promise as a general-purpose technology capable of boosting productivity and fostering innovation. In rural areas and disaster-prone regions, it could provide better farming advice, rapid X-ray analysis for medical diagnoses, improved weather forecasting and assessments of poverty, health and risk factors....