Techno-neocolonialism: an emerging risk in the artificial intelligence revolution

Abstract

Rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have the potential to be revolutionary, but they have also sparked questions about power relations and socioeconomic inequalities that are reminiscent of previous colonial practices. The risk of “techno-neocolonialism,” a phrase used to characterize the potential for dominance and exploitation analogous to historical colonial practices, is juxtaposed with the possibility of unprecedented technological advancements. This paper examines the idea of techno-neocolonialism as a modern form of dominance and exploitation, emphasizing how the AI revolution runs the risk of sustaining these practices in a globalized environment. Through an analysis of vital AI enablers like talent, data, infrastructure, and computing power, we contend that the advantages of AI are frequently centered in rich countries, marginalizing the Global South. The paper goes on to stress how important it is that cooperative frameworks give equity, respect for one another, and ethical issues top priority while developing AI. This study, which ends with a plea for fair collaborations, seeks to show the way toward a more inclusive AI ecosystem that actually empowers all parties involved while avoiding the exploitation traps that come with techno-neocolonial partnerships.

Keywords

• intelligence artificielle
• techno-néocolonialisme
• sud global
• gouvernance des données
• migration des talents