US removal of AI safeguards risks widening the global divide. Global South must invest in AI regional partnerships, education and infrastructure
The resolution urged members states “to refrain from or cease the use of artificial intelligence systems that are impossible to operate in compliance with international human rights law or that pose undue risks to the enjoyment of human rights”. Deregulation in the US risks sidelining these commitments, pushing other nations to prioritise speed over safety.
Meanwhile, a key priority for the US is to prevent adversaries from leveraging advanced technologies. One area of potential impact is in open-source AI.
In a development that raises questions around the use of open-source technology, an early version of Meta’s open-source AI model, Llama 13B, was reportedly used by Chinese researchers to develop a military-focused tool. Concerned about national security, Trump’s administration may consider banning or restricting open-source AI. This would, however, stifle innovation in the Global South. Without open-source tools to bridge resource gaps, countries lagging in AI adoption may fall further behind.
While aimed at limiting China, these restrictions also disrupt global supply chains, raising costs and access barriers. Developing countries, which depend on affordable imports to build their AI ecosystems, are disproportionately affected. For example, in Africa, where only a quarter of people have internet access, higher technology import costs could create insurmountable barriers to AI adoption.
Agriculture, a key sector in many Global South nations, illustrates how uneven AI adoption can deepen global divides. In places across Africa like Tanzania, AI tools help farmers diagnose crop diseases. These are promising examples but small in scale.
In contrast, precision agriculture in the US optimises planting, irrigation and harvesting on a large scale, boosting productivity significantly. Without investment in AI-ready infrastructure, agriculture in the Global South will continue to lag, leaving millions at the mercy of climate change and food insecurity.
Trump’s plan to undo Biden’s AI safeguards would also jeopardise international efforts to regulate AI’s impact on human rights. Revoking provisions to address bias in AI systems and protect vulnerable communities would risk creating a global environment where ethical considerations take a back seat to economic competition. This shift could weaken multilateral initiatives aimed at ensuring AI benefits all nations.
For example, the UN’s call for trustworthy AI systems aligns with the Global South’s need for inclusive, equitable technologies. Deregulation in the US undermines these efforts, leaving developing nations to navigate AI governance challenges on their own.
Despite these challenges, the Global South is not without options. Regional collaborations, such as Kenya’s plans to grow AI hubs for the region, could help mitigate the effects of Trump’s intended policies. By pooling resources and expertise, neighbouring countries can develop shared AI infrastructure tailored to their needs. Furthermore, initiatives like the African Union’s data-sharing alliances could create localised AI models, reducing dependency on external tools.
As Trump prepares to take office on January 20, his administration’s AI approach will reshape global technology landscapes. For the Global South, this is a challenge and an opportunity. Deregulation in the US could undermine global standards, disrupt supply chains and limit access to critical tools.
But by investing in regional partnerships, education and infrastructure, developing nations can chart their own AI course. The stakes are high, and today’s decisions will determine if AI bridges global divides or entrenches them further.
