Billions risk being locked out of the AI revolution due to smartphone costs
2026-09-16
Euronews English
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The GSMA warns that rising smartphone component costs, driven partly by global AI infrastructure demand, risk creating a global AI divide. Over 3.4 billion people, mostly in low- and middle-income countries, remain offline despite network coverage, potentially excluding them from AI benefits due to unaffordable devices.[AI generated]
Why's our monitor labelling this an incident or hazard?
The event involves AI indirectly through the increased demand for AI infrastructure components, which raises smartphone costs and threatens digital inclusion. While no direct harm has occurred yet, the plausible future harm of a widened AI and digital divide is clearly articulated. Therefore, this qualifies as an AI Hazard because the development and use of AI systems (infrastructure) could plausibly lead to significant societal harm if affordable access to AI-enabled devices is not ensured.[AI generated]