The term “digital colonization” refers to the process by which powerful entities or nations seize control of and make use of digital resources, data, and technology. Controlling and manipulating digital infrastructure, platforms, and data for the purpose of gaining monetary or political advantage. Generative artificial intelligence has gone from being an abstract concept to becoming the most ground-breaking general-purpose technology as a result of rapid development. Data is the foundation upon which each and every human endeavor is built. Not only has the introduction of generative artificial intelligence led to an increase in economic growth and productivity, but it has also brought about a revolution in information ecosystems all over the world. The automation of repetitive tasks, the increase in productivity, and the creation of new business models that are fueling economic growth are all examples of how generative artificial intelligence has revolutionized operational workflows. Generative artificial intelligence is causing a revolution in manufacturing across a wide variety of industries. Automated processes that are driven by artificial intelligence and improved analytics are causing significant shifts in a variety of industries, including the medical field, the media, the legal system, and the manufacturing sector. In spite of the fact that artificial intelligence (AI) is making script writing, visual effects, and content creation more efficient, it is also causing complicated copyright issues.
The application of generative design technology is the driving force behind the development of novel manufacturing processes and distinctive products. 38% of diagnostic AI co-pilots are currently being produced with the help of GAI. A little over 41 percent of all legal contracts are being fulfilled by GAI. Artificial intelligence is responsible for producing 63% of all content that is synthetic. The film industry is being impacted as an outcome of this. There are a number of components that make up AI-specific computing infrastructure that are expected to attract significant investments, according to forecasts. These components include the compatibility of multi-modal models, the integration of quantum computing, and artificial intelligence at the edge.
When people of different cultures are underrepresented, it can be difficult to make progress toward the goal of creating an online environment that is more equitable.
In this day and age of generative artificial intelligence, data has an impact on a wide variety of domains, including the economic, social, cultural, and industrial spheres. People are now able to process data at a rate that surpasses their wildest imaginations, all thanks to a new artificial regime. Each and every industry is on the verge of experiencing a global revolution as a result of this capability to manage extremely large amounts of data. Artificial intelligence has already surpassed the capabilities of humans in terms of pattern recognition and information processing. AI’s intelligence is expected to double every six months, according to a prediction. Given the current ratio of the increase in the intelligence of artificial intelligence (AI) to the volume of data that is available, we have no idea how or in what direction the world will change moving forward.
There are far-reaching consequences that result from this kind of colonization with regard to digital sovereignty, security, and privacy. The unequal distribution of digital resources and the expansion of multinational technology corporations are the two factors that gave rise to the phenomenon of colonization. As a consequence of digital colonization, the digital divide between countries is widening, and the rights of individuals to maintain their privacy while using the internet are being eroded. In many cases, the profits that are made from extracting data and resources from countries that were formerly colonized do not trickle down to the local populace, which can lead to economic exploitation. At the same time that this reinforces the power imbalance between colonizers and colonized nations, it also keeps colonizers and colonized nations in a cycle of dependence that never ends. It is also possible for Western companies to monopolize technology and digital platforms, which can lead to economic exploitation through unfair competition practices, which in turn can limit innovation and growth in countries that have been colonized. The control that Western powers have over the global digital economy is further strengthened as a result of this, which reduces the opportunities for economic development and self-determination in regions that have been colonized. Internet-based dissemination of Western ideas and ideals has the potential to further marginalize indigenous communities by eradicating their cultural practices and customs. This could have a negative impact on the indigenous people involved. This movement toward cultural homogeneity around the world has the potential to reduce the richness and diversity of human experiences. This trend is occurring all over the world. As a result of giving a platform to Western viewpoints and stories at the expense of other, more marginalized groups, cultural and linguistic homogenization in the digital sphere may have the potential to perpetuate power imbalances. This is one of the potential consequences of this phenomenon. When people of different cultures are underrepresented and their visibility is restricted, it can be difficult to make progress toward the goal of creating an online environment that is more equitable and inclusive. On the other hand, when indigenous cultures and knowledge are marginalized in the digital space, it can lead to the perpetuation of stereotypes and misrepresentations, which can further compromise the authenticity and accuracy of the information that is available online. It is essential to raise awareness of indigenous perspectives and labor to keep them visible in order to create an online environment that is more equitable and welcoming to people of all backgrounds.
The writer is a PhD in IR from QAU and can be reached at atiquesheikh2000@gmail.com.