Developing countries are pressing for a larger role in setting global rules for artificial intelligence, arguing that the technology’s benefits and risks cannot be governed solely by the countries and companies leading the current development race.
Reuters reported that officials from Africa, Asia and Latin America warned that AI could deepen existing economic inequalities if access to computing, data, expertise and decision-making remains concentrated in a small group of wealthy states. The discussion took place during a United Nations session focused on the wider security implications of advanced AI.
The concern is not limited to whether AI systems are accurate. Governments are also considering who controls critical digital infrastructure, how automated systems affect employment and whether poorer countries will be able to build domestic technical capacity. Dependence on foreign platforms can create vulnerabilities if access is restricted, prices rise or services are withdrawn during political disputes.
The issue has direct institutional relevance. Public agencies are beginning to use AI for administration, health services, education, border management and emergency response. If systems are built without local language support, representative data or appropriate safeguards, they may produce unreliable or discriminatory outcomes. Smaller governments may also lack the resources to independently test models supplied by large vendors.
The debate reflects a broader shift in international diplomacy. AI is increasingly treated alongside climate, health and financial stability as a global issue that crosses borders. Yet the governance architecture remains fragmented. The United States, European Union, China and other technology powers are developing their own rules, while international bodies are seeking principles that can apply across different political and economic systems.
Developing countries are asking for more than consultation. They want participation in standard-setting, access to infrastructure and financing, and a larger share of the economic value created by AI. That could include investment in data centers, research institutions, education and public-interest datasets.
The challenge is creating rules that protect safety without blocking beneficial deployment. Excessively burdensome requirements could make it harder for smaller firms and governments to adopt useful systems. Weak standards, by contrast, could expose populations to security failures and deepen dependence on foreign providers.
The UN discussion does not create binding international law. Its significance is political: it shows that AI governance is becoming a question of representation and development as well as technology safety. Future agreements will be judged partly by whether countries outside the major technology centers have a meaningful voice in defining the rules.
Sources: - https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/world/1004203/at-un-developing-nations-call-for-bigger-say-in-shaping-ai-future/story/ - https://www.techmeme.com/260929/p55