On September 19, 2024, Foreign Policy published an insightful piece examining the growing urgency of AI governance and safety, particularly from the perspective of the Global Majority. The article highlights the fact that while much of the conversation around artificial intelligence (AI) regulation has centered on countries like the United States, Europe, and China, the Global Majority—comprising countries in the Global South and emerging economies—has a crucial role to play in shaping AI policy for the future. With AI increasingly driving economic, social, and political change, the article emphasizes the need for inclusive governance frameworks that prioritize safety, accessibility, and fairness.
This article delves deeply into the critical themes addressed, including the impact of AI on the Global Majority, the challenges of equitable internet access, and the path forward for inclusive global AI regulation.
AI and the Global Majority: A Complex Relationship
Artificial intelligence is not just a tool for innovation in the developed world; it has profound implications for the Global Majority, which represents more than 80% of the world’s population. Countries in Latin America, Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia are witnessing both the opportunities and challenges posed by AI. While AI has the potential to accelerate development, improve public services, and contribute to economic growth, it also risks exacerbating existing inequalities and creating new forms of digital colonization.
The article stresses that AI technologies, particularly those developed in the Global North, often fail to account for the unique social, economic, and cultural contexts of the Global Majority. AI systems are typically trained on data from wealthy, developed countries, which can lead to biased outcomes when applied in different regions. For instance, AI-powered health diagnostics might misinterpret symptoms in populations with different genetic or environmental profiles, or automated systems in finance could discriminate against users without credit histories common in developed economies.
To address this, there is a growing movement within the Global Majority to demand AI systems that are tailored to local needs, developed in collaboration with local experts, and governed by policies that reflect the realities of these regions. The article outlines the need for countries in the Global South to play an active role in AI governance discussions, rather than being passive recipients of AI technologies designed elsewhere.
The Digital Divide and Access to AI
One of the key issues facing the Global Majority in relation to AI is access. While AI systems are being integrated into public services, economic planning, and infrastructure in wealthy nations, much of the Global Majority still struggles with basic internet connectivity and digital infrastructure. The Foreign Policy article highlights that nearly half of the world’s population—primarily in the Global South—lacks access to reliable internet, which prevents them from fully participating in the AI-driven digital economy.
The digital divide between countries with advanced AI capabilities and those without threatens to deepen global inequality. As AI becomes increasingly embedded in global trade, healthcare, education, and even governance, countries without access to AI technology and expertise risk being left behind in both economic and political terms.
Addressing this divide requires significant investment in infrastructure, digital literacy, and AI training programs. The article calls on international bodies, such as the United Nations and World Bank, as well as private sector tech companies, to prioritize initiatives that promote internet access and AI literacy in the Global Majority. Without such efforts, the benefits of AI will remain concentrated in a small number of countries, leaving vast swaths of the world disconnected from the technological advancements that are shaping the future.
AI Governance: A Global Issue Requiring Global Solutions
AI governance, according to the Foreign Policy article, cannot be the exclusive domain of a few wealthy nations. With AI technologies influencing everything from economic development to international security, it is imperative that countries in the Global Majority have a seat at the table in shaping global AI regulations.
The article critiques the current state of AI governance as being overly dominated by a small group of countries with advanced AI industries. This narrow focus risks overlooking the needs and perspectives of the Global South, where AI applications may differ significantly from those in wealthier nations. For example, AI in developing countries is often deployed in agricultural sectors, informal economies, or public health initiatives in ways that are less common in the Global North.
In addition, there are concerns that global AI governance frameworks could impose one-size-fits-all regulations that fail to account for the diverse economic and social environments in which AI operates. Policymakers in the Global Majority need to advocate for flexible governance models that allow for local adaptation while still maintaining ethical standards and safeguards.
The article emphasizes that AI governance must be collaborative and inclusive, bringing together governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector to ensure that AI serves the broader interests of humanity—not just the economic and geopolitical goals of a select few.
Safety Concerns and Ethical AI
Safety is one of the most pressing concerns when it comes to AI, particularly in regions with limited regulatory capacity. The Foreign Policy article points out that while advanced economies are grappling with issues such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the potential for AI-driven unemployment, the Global Majority faces additional challenges related to transparency, accountability, and ethical AI deployment.
In many parts of the Global South, weak regulatory frameworks and limited government oversight make it difficult to enforce ethical standards for AI development and use. This can lead to harmful outcomes, such as surveillance systems being deployed without adequate privacy protections or automated decision-making tools that reinforce social inequalities.
The article stresses the importance of building capacity within governments and regulatory bodies in the Global Majority to oversee AI development and ensure that it is aligned with the public good. It calls for international support in the form of funding, technical expertise, and policy guidance to help these regions develop robust AI governance frameworks that protect their populations from harm.
Additionally, the article highlights the role that tech companies must play in ensuring the ethical development and deployment of AI. As many of the world’s leading AI companies are based in the Global North, there is a risk that their technologies will be exported to developing countries without adequate consideration of local contexts. Companies must be held accountable for the impact of their AI products, and they should work closely with local governments and communities to ensure that AI is used in ways that promote safety and fairness.
The Role of International Cooperation
The article underscores the need for stronger international cooperation to address the challenges of AI governance and safety. As AI becomes a key driver of global economic and political power, it is essential that countries work together to develop shared norms and standards that protect human rights and promote equitable development.
Several initiatives are already underway to foster greater collaboration on AI governance. For example, the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI), launched in 2020, brings together countries, international organizations, and industry leaders to share best practices and develop common frameworks for AI regulation. However, the article argues that more needs to be done to include voices from the Global Majority in these discussions.
The Foreign Policy article suggests that international organizations such as the United Nations, the World Bank, and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) should take a leading role in convening global stakeholders to develop AI governance frameworks that are inclusive and equitable. It also calls for the creation of new forums where countries in the Global Majority can collaborate and share their experiences with AI, ensuring that their perspectives are heard and integrated into global governance structures.
A Vision for Inclusive AI Governance
In conclusion, the article paints a vision of a future where AI governance is inclusive, collaborative, and equitable. For AI to truly serve the needs of humanity, it must be developed and regulated in ways that reflect the diverse interests and values of all countries, not just the wealthiest and most technologically advanced.
The Global Majority has a critical role to play in this process. By advocating for policies that prioritize safety, accessibility, and fairness, countries in the Global South can help shape AI in ways that promote global development and reduce inequality. The article calls on both governments and the private sector to support these efforts by investing in digital infrastructure, fostering AI education, and promoting international cooperation on AI governance.
The future of AI governance will require a shared commitment to ethical standards, transparency, and accountability. Only by working together can countries ensure that AI technologies benefit all of humanity, rather than perpetuating existing inequalities or creating new forms of global division.