AI's impact could worsen gaps between world's rich and poor: UN report

Behind the hoopla over the promise of artificial intelligence lay difficult realities including how such technology might affect people already disadvantaged in a datadriven worldA new report by the United Nations Development Programme notes most of the gains from AI are likely to be reaped by wealthy nations unless steps are taken to use its power to help close gaps in access to basic needs as well as such advanced knowhowThe report released Tuesday likens the situation to the Great Divergence of the industrial revolution when many Western countries saw rapid modernisation while others fell behindQuestions over how companies and other institutions will use AI are a near universal concern given its potential to change or replace some jobs done by people with computers and robotsBut while much of the attention devoted to AI focuses on productivity competitiveness and growth the more important question is what it will mean for human lives the authors noteIts an issue for communities where most people are still struggling to access skills electric power and internet connectivity for older people for people displaced by war civil conflict and climate disasters At the same time such people may be invisible in data that will not take them into account the report saidAs a generalpurpose technology AI can lift productivity spark new industries and help latecomers catch up the report saysBetter advice on farming analysis of Xrays within seconds and faster medical diagnoses more effective weather forecasts and damage assessments hold promise for rural communities and areas prone to natural disastersAI systems that analyse poverty health and disaster risks enable faster fairer and more transparent decisions turning data into continuous learning and public value it saysStill even in wealthy nations like the United States the potential for data centres to devour too large a share of electricity and water has raised concerns Ramping up power generation to meet higher demand may hinder progress in limiting the emissions of carbon from burning fossil fuels that contribute to global warming while also causing health hazardsThe technology raises ethical privacy and cybersecurity concerns researchers have found hackers using AI to automate portions of cyberattacks There also is the problem of deepfakes that can misinform or facilitate criminal activityAsian nations including China Japan South Korea and Singapore are well placed to take advantage of AI tools the report notes while places like Afghanistan the Maldives and Myanmar lack skills reliable power and other resources needed to tap into the computing potential of AIInequalities between regions within countries mean some places even in advanced economies are prone to be left behindAbout a quarter of the AsiaPacific region lacks online access the report says If such gaps are not closed many millions may be excluded from the kinds of devices digital payment systems digital IDs and education and skills that are required to participate fully in the global economyThey may be stranded on the wrong side of an AIdriven global economy it saysOther risks include misinformation and disinformation surveillance that violates rights to privacy and systems that can act as iquestblack boxesiquest reinforcing biases against minorities or other groups So transparency and effective regulations are crucial guardrails for ensuring AI is used in fair and accountable ways it saysAI is becoming the regions next essential infrastructure like power roads and schools with faster upsides and sharper risks the report says urging governments to invest more in providing digital infrastructure education and training fair competition and social protectionsThe goal it says is to democratise access to AI so that every country and community can benefit while protecting those most at risk from disruptionThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever