AI, Power, and Inequality: The Complex Dynamics of Technology in a Divided World

 AI, Power, and Inequality: The Complex Dynamics of Technology in a Divided World

Rahul Ramya

12.01.2025, Patna, India

Science, Technology, and the Pursuit of Truth

Science is, no doubt, a pursuit of truth, but there is no such definitive claim about technology. Technology is not always decisively a pursuit of truth; rather, it may be directed to foster lies and overshadow truth.

The distinction between science as a pursuit of truth and technology as a tool subject to power dynamics is crucial in understanding the role of AI. While science aims to uncover universal truths, technology, including AI, often serves the agendas of those in control. For example, AI-driven surveillance technologies in countries like China illustrate how technology can be used to consolidate political power rather than pursue truth or justice. The Chinese government’s use of AI in its social credit system surveils and controls citizens, leading to significant ethical and privacy concerns. Similarly, disinformation campaigns driven by AI-based algorithms on social media platforms, such as during the 2016 U.S. presidential elections, highlight how technology can overshadow truth by fostering lies for political gains. According to a 2020 MIT study, fake news spreads 70% faster than accurate information on Twitter, showcasing the algorithmic preference for sensational content over factual reporting. This disparity between the ethical aspirations of science and the utility-driven applications of technology raises concerns about the unchecked growth of AI.

Technology as a Tool for Consolidating Power

Technology is mostly dependent on power dynamics, and its driving force is to consolidate power in favor of those who are better placed to control resources, as resources are the powerhouse of power.

Technology’s role in reinforcing existing power structures stems from its dependence on resources controlled by a privileged few. In the Global North, tech monopolies like Amazon, Meta, and Alphabet wield enormous influence over governments and markets. For instance, Alphabet’s investments in AI research have shaped the regulatory landscape in favor of corporate interests. Alphabet’s AI subsidiary, DeepMind, has been criticized for monopolizing access to healthcare AI tools, creating barriers for smaller competitors. In the Global South, similar dynamics can be observed with conglomerates like Reliance in India, which uses technological advancements to consolidate economic and political power. For instance, Reliance Jio’s market dominance in telecommunications has been instrumental in shaping India’s digital economy while marginalizing smaller players.

A 2023 Oxfam report reveals that the wealth of the top 1% increased by $42 trillion globally between 2020 and 2022, nearly twice as much as the bottom 99% combined. This disparity reflects how technological monopolies exacerbate wealth inequality, leaving vulnerable communities at the mercy of resource-rich conglomerates.

AI and the Colonization of Knowledge and Information

In this modern era of the Artificial Intelligence Revolution, both knowledge and information, which are the most influential resources, have been colonized by a handful of technological leaders. These tech leaders use their knowledge to leverage their power by building vast empires of tech companies that dominate even politics, which is the space where common people can find their voice and through which they may influence economic and policy decisions of all sorts. However, by displacing common people from politics, these tech tycoons have been capturing the only remaining sphere in common people’s lives where they could write their own destiny for individual and collective good.

The monopolization of knowledge and information by a few tech leaders exacerbates global inequalities. In the United States, Elon Musk’s influence through ventures like OpenAI and Neuralink represents the commodification of AI as a resource accessible only to the elite. In contrast, countries in the Global South, such as sub-Saharan African nations, struggle to afford the infrastructure needed to adopt AI, leaving them further marginalized. According to the International Telecommunication Union, 33% of the global population still lacks internet access, with the majority residing in the Global South. The World Bank reports that only 26% of Africans have internet access, limiting their ability to leverage AI for development.

Grassroots movements have emerged in response to these inequities. For instance, the “Digital Rights Are Human Rights” movement in Kenya advocates for universal internet access and data privacy regulations. In Brazil, the non-profit Data_labe works with marginalized communities to use AI and data tools to amplify their voices in public policymaking. These initiatives challenge the domination of knowledge by tech giants, promoting more inclusive digital ecosystems.

The rise of Adani in India as a business tycoon-cum-power broker and Elon Musk, who is more businessman than technologist and effectively a “President-Select” of the USA, are playing similar roles. AI is being used to manipulate the understanding of common people. In a world deeply entrenched in sharp inequalities of all kinds—social, economic, informational, knowledge-based, and political-civic—the uneven adoption of AI technology due to rampant societal poverty is already exacerbating a perilous situation that increasingly tilts in favor of tech tycoons.

The Unequal Adoption of AI and Its Role in Perpetuating Inequality

AI’s uneven adoption exacerbates pre-existing inequalities, especially in developing nations. In Brazil, for example, limited access to AI in public healthcare systems contrasts starkly with private hospitals that employ AI-based diagnostic tools, creating a two-tiered healthcare system. In India, grassroots organizations like eSanjeevani leverage AI-based telemedicine to extend healthcare to rural areas, demonstrating its potential for democratization. Meanwhile, in developed nations, AI-based automation disproportionately impacts low-skilled workers. A 2021 McKinsey report shows that 25% of American jobs are at risk of automation, predominantly affecting marginalized communities. In contrast, Germany’s vocational training programs for AI-integrated jobs showcase a proactive approach to mitigating displacement through upskilling.

For instance, the Responsible AI Network of Africa is an initiative working to ensure equitable AI adoption by training local talent and addressing regional challenges. These movements highlight how grassroots efforts can democratize AI and ensure its benefits reach marginalized populations.

Disruptive Impacts of AI: Exclusion and Disempowerment

AI also poses significant risks of exclusion. For example, India’s Aadhaar system, while streamlining welfare delivery, has faced criticism for excluding millions due to authentication failures. A study by the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) revealed that in 2022, 5% of rural beneficiaries were denied access to essential public services due to technical glitches in Aadhaar-linked systems. This highlights how AI systems can inadvertently deepen inequalities when implemented without inclusive safeguards.

Grassroots movements have sought to address these challenges. In India, organizations like the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) advocate for transparency and accountability in welfare systems, ensuring that technology serves marginalized communities. Similarly, in Indonesia, the “AI for All” initiative focuses on providing AI literacy to rural populations, empowering them to engage with AI-driven public services. These movements demonstrate the potential for grassroots activism to democratize AI and mitigate its exclusionary impacts.

The Need for Ethical Governance and Inclusive Regulation

The disparity between technological advancements and their societal benefits calls for robust regulatory frameworks. In the Global North, the European Union’s AI Act serves as a model for ethical governance, addressing issues such as bias, transparency, and accountability in AI systems. However, its focus on corporate compliance has faced criticism for insufficiently addressing grassroots concerns.

In the Global South, initiatives like India’s Digital Public Goods Framework aim to create inclusive digital ecosystems. By promoting open-source AI solutions and public-private partnerships, this framework seeks to ensure equitable access to AI-driven benefits. However, its success depends on addressing challenges such as digital literacy and infrastructural deficits.

Grassroots efforts can complement these regulatory initiatives. In South Africa, the “Open Data for AI” movement advocates for open access to AI datasets, enabling local researchers to develop context-specific solutions. Similarly, in Brazil, the “AI and Justice” coalition works to address algorithmic bias in public decision-making systems, ensuring fairness and accountability.

Bridging the Digital Divide: A Path Forward

To bridge the digital divide, investments in digital infrastructure and education are essential. According to the World Economic Forum, closing the global digital gap could add $6.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030. In developing countries, grassroots movements play a crucial role in fostering digital inclusion. For instance, Nigeria’s “Tech Her” initiative trains women in rural areas to use AI tools, enabling them to access new economic opportunities.

Additionally, international collaboration is vital. Initiatives like UNESCO’s “AI for Sustainable Development” aim to leverage AI to address global challenges such as poverty and climate change. By promoting cross-border knowledge sharing and capacity building, these efforts can ensure that AI serves as a tool for global equity.

Conclusion

The complex dynamics of AI in a divided world highlight the urgent need for ethical governance, inclusive regulation, and grassroots activism. While AI has the potential to transform societies, its current trajectory risks deepening existing inequalities. By addressing systemic barriers, promoting grassroots efforts, and fostering international collaboration, we can ensure that AI serves as a tool for empowerment rather than exclusion. Only then can we harness the transformative power of AI to create a more equitable and just world.