Microsoft has warned that unequal access to artificial intelligence could deepen the gap between developed and developing nations unless governments, technology companies and international organisations work together to expand access and improve governance.
Speaking during the United Nations AI for Good Summit in Geneva, Microsoft’s Chief Responsible AI Officer Natasha Crampton said the growing disparity in AI adoption between the Global North and the Global South must be addressed before it becomes more difficult to close.
“We cannot let the digital divide become an even greater AI divide,” Crampton said during an interview with Euronews Next.
Crampton, who previously served on the UN’s High-Level Advisory Body on AI, said discussions around AI sovereignty should focus on ensuring local communities can shape how the technology reflects their cultures, values and priorities while still benefiting from global innovation.
Rather than viewing AI sovereignty as a choice between domestic and international technology, she said countries should be able to adapt global AI systems to meet local needs.
As part of that effort, Crampton highlighted multilingual initiatives designed to make AI more accessible. She pointed to the LINGUA project, which began in Europe and has expanded into Africa through collaboration between Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab, the Gates Foundation, Google.org and the Masakhane African Languages Hub. The programme collects data in local languages to help AI systems better understand regional expressions and cultural context.
She also stressed the importance of stronger cooperation between governments, private companies and international organisations. Referring to the UN’s first Global Dialogue on AI Governance, held earlier this month, Crampton said better coordination between existing initiatives would help avoid duplication and speed up progress on global AI oversight.
One example is the proposed “digital emblem,” a joint initiative involving Microsoft, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Telecommunication Union. The project aims to provide greater protection for hospitals, humanitarian organisations and critical digital infrastructure against cyberattacks during conflicts.
Crampton said Microsoft is encouraging governments to support the initiative while urging humanitarian organisations and technology companies to help develop practical standards for its implementation.
Addressing concerns about the environmental impact of expanding AI infrastructure, Crampton said Microsoft is adopting what it describes as a community-first approach when building data centres. She said the company aims to support local communities by strengthening tax bases for public services while also limiting pressure on electricity grids and water supplies through technologies such as closed-loop cooling systems.
Looking at Europe, Crampton praised the European AI Office for building closer ties with AI safety organisations in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. She said international cooperation remains essential as AI technology continues to evolve.
Crampton also called for regulatory flexibility, arguing that governments should regularly update AI rules to reflect new scientific knowledge and technological advances so regulations remain aligned with public expectations and emerging risks.
