digital divide

Digital sovereignty in the age of AI

World Economic Forum

Digital sovereignty in the age of AI

AI is advancing quickly, but access and control remain deeply uneven. As artificial intelligence becomes foundational to economies and governments, the question is no longer just who has the best technology, but who controls the systems that power it. In this GZERO Media Global Stage interview from the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos, Tony Maciulis speaks with Talal Al Kaissi, Group Chief Global Affairs Officer at G42, about why AI has intensified debates around digital sovereignty, and what it will take to close the global AI divide.

For AI access for all, investment is the key, says Microsoft's Brad Smith

UN General Assembly

For AI access for all, investment is the key, says Microsoft's Brad Smith

AI has immense potential, but guardrails alone won’t ensure its benefits reach everyone. According to Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith, policies must ensure AI is safe and secure, but equitable access requires more—investment. Just as electricity took over a century to reach parts of the world, Mr. Smith says AI’s widespread adoption depends on economic strategies that go beyond values. It's a balance of ethics and action to ensure AI’s benefits are felt globally.

AI for all: Leave no one behind, says Microsoft's Brad Smith

Digital Governance

AI for all: Leave no one behind, says Microsoft's Brad Smith

Artificial intelligence could level the playing field for individuals across an array of disciplines...if people have access to it. Microsoft’s Vice Chair and President Brad Smith, points out that access to AI tech remains a privilege that is still unavailable to hundreds of millions around the world.

"Access is a fundamental right" - Digital activist Vilas Dhar

Crisis Recovery

"Access is a fundamental right" - Digital activist Vilas Dhar

Over 2 billion people still lack basic connectivity access, thus creating a massive digital divide. Activist Vilas Dhar breaks down the three elements that contribute to this divide.

US-China tech tensions: the impact on the global digital landscape

US-China tech tensions: the impact on the global digital landscape

As the digital world continues to grow and evolve, there still exists a digital divide between the US and China. Alexis Serfaty, director of geotechnology at Eurasia Group, in a GZERO livestream presented by Visa, says that has long as US-China relations continue to be involved in a “tech cold war,” other countries, especially in developed regions, may find themselves compelled to take sides when it comes to adopting new technology infrastructure and standards.

2 billion new internet users joined in 5 years but growth is uneven

2 billion new internet users joined in 5 years but growth is uneven

A whopping two billion new internet users have come online in the past five years. This transformative shift, driven in part by the pandemic, has revolutionized the way people learn and work. But it’s important to note that this growth is not evenly distributed, and significant efforts are required, particularly in Africa, to bridge the digital divide, says Digital Impact Alliance CEO Priya Vora.