AI Colonialism: How Developed Nations Could Limit Access to Transformative Technology
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize industries and economies worldwide. Its applications, ranging from healthcare to agriculture, offer promising solutions to many global challenges. For developing countries, AI could be a powerful tool for economic growth and social development. However, there's a growing concern that developed nations might limit AI access for developing countries, creating a digital divide and exacerbating existing inequalities.
Prof Prasanna Premadasa
9/29/20241 min read
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize industries and economies worldwide. Its applications, ranging from healthcare to agriculture, offer promising solutions to many global challenges. For developing countries, AI could be a powerful tool for economic growth and social development. However, there's a growing concern that developed nations might limit AI access for developing countries, creating a digital divide and exacerbating existing inequalities.
Just as with nuclear technology, developed nations are likely to impose strict regulations and guidelines on AI usage. While these measures aim to ensure ethical and responsible AI development, they could also serve as barriers to entry for developing countries. By controlling the technology's distribution and access, developed nations could maintain their competitive advantage and limit the potential benefits that AI could bring to less developed regions.
It's crucial for countries like Sri Lanka to be vigilant about these developments. While embracing AI offers significant opportunities, it's essential to negotiate fair and equitable agreements that prevent the technology from being weaponized against developing nations. By collaborating with international partners and advocating for open AI ecosystems, Sri Lanka can ensure that it benefits from this transformative technology without falling victim to digital colonialism.