IGF 2023 Town Hall #29 Impact of the Rise of Generative AI on Developing Countries

Released in the fall of 2022, ChatGPT continues to exert a significant influence on the global landscape, not only due to its current processing power but also owing to its immeasurable scalability and development potential. With the proliferation of generative AI, many clerical tasks and procedures traditionally performed by trained individuals are expected to be swiftly replaced by AI. It is becoming increasingly evident that AI will supplant routine clerical work in private companies, guide planning efforts in public institutions based on past precedents, and even encroach upon the expertise of highly specialized occupations. In other words, while this could present an opportunity for AI-utilizing companies to generate substantial profits through enhanced productivity, it also poses a formidable threat of job displacement for regular employees. Acknowledging this, leaders of developed countries initiated formal discussions on the necessity of government intervention and rule-making regarding this issue during the G7 summit held in Hiroshima in May 2023. Conversely, the debate surrounding the impact of opportunities and the threats posed by the rise of generative AI on developing countries has yet to deepen. For instance, in African countries, the high-speed internet infrastructure is still shortage, employment opportunities for young people remain limited in many nations, and the prerequisites for extensive use of generative AI are not necessarily in place. Furthermore, as generative AI progresses in developed countries and regulatory frameworks become more refined, the digital divide between developing and advanced nations is poised to widen. Given such circumstances, when considering the potential for the future spread and integration of generative AI worldwide, it is crucial to contemplate the implications for the digital economy in developing countries and the possible impact of generative AI. By seeking expert opinions on the opportunities and threats that may arise, sharing these perspectives in a Town Hall format with participants, and soliciting viewpoints from a diverse range of individuals, we aim to delve into our understanding of the impact of generative AI on the future Internet governance.

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