To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), digital technologies can be extremely effective catalysts that can put people in touch with possibilities, markets, and promote economic growth. With the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and artificial intelligence, technology has permeated every aspect of modern life and influences all sectors of society from telemedicine, banking, e-commerce and e-governance. Crucially, digital platforms make it easier to collaborate globally, allowing for multifaceted ways of sharing knowledge and the expansion of creative solutions from anywhere in the world.
Digital technology’s revolutionary potential is not, however, always inclusive or advantageous. The benefits are not shared fairly, and the dangers go beyond the widely recognised “digital divide.” Equality of development is hampered by the very nature of the global digital economy, identification, and security. Access to technology within nations is essential, but inclusion must also include equitable sharing of the financial gains from the digital revolution among all countries. Every nation must be able to influence the digital future, and the architecture of the world must encourage rather than obstruct their involvement. Attention needs to be paid to several important issues.
Inequalities are created and perpetuated within and across nations due to differences in digital access, affordability, literacy, security, and the availability of accessible, locally relevant digital resources and services. Inherent in AI systems trained on skewed data is algorithmic bias which has the potential to mirror, both sustain and amplify existing social prejudices. Vulnerabilities in data privacy and security further disproportionately affect states/nations with weaker regulatory regimes and vulnerable groups.
In industries that are particularly vital to national economies, the rapid adoption of automation and AI is frequently associated with risks of job displacement, necessitating extensive reskilling and social protection measures. In addition, the use of AI by multinational firms to reduce or optimise tax obligations risks weakening countries’ economic capacity to fund development projects and public services. Finally, political stability and the advancement of development are seriously threatened by the dissemination of false information via digital platforms and the possibility of the technology being employed in conflicts.
As a result, merely implementing technology is not enough. Its adoption if not properly thought through can lead to new vulnerabilities and exacerbate already-existing inequities. It is crucial to have a global viewpoint and value a range of experiences. In a world characterised by institutional fluidity, technical developments, and reshaped economic ties, scholars and practitioners in digital technology and related fields are encouraged to reflect on the appropriateness of the conceptual, social, and existing regulatory frameworks.