UPSC Notes

Digital Divide and Global Technology Governance

PYQs

8

Articles

1

Momentum

21

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

The digital divide in emerging technologies like AI has profound implications for equitable development, international power dynamics, economic disparities, and the ability of developing nations to participate meaningfully in the global digital economy. It highlights challenges in achieving inclusive growth and technological sovereignty.

The digital divide refers to the unequal access to, use of, or impact of information and communication technologies (ICTs) between different groups, often along socio-economic, geographic, or developmental lines. In the context of emerging technologies like AI, this manifests as a significant gap between the Global North and Global South in terms of development, access, benefits, and regulatory capacity, necessitating robust global technology governance frameworks.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Unequal Benefits

The Global North is poised to take the lion's share of AI benefits, widening the gap.

Regulatory Challenge

Poorer countries struggle to regulate advanced AI models developed elsewhere.

Drivers of Disparity

Abundant electricity, highly capitalized firms, and scarce talent drive AI leadership.

Technological Sovereignty

Developing nations face risks of restricted access to critical AI models, impacting their infrastructure security.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaEmerging Information Technologies
Conceptual areaWelfare Schemes & Social Policies
Conceptual areaGeopolitics & International Conflicts

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
United NationsHighlights issues, promotes international cooperation for equitable technology access
International Financial InstitutionsProvides funding and support for digital infrastructure in developing countries
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Statement-based questions

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • Unequal AI access & benefits.
  • Regulatory capacity gap for Global South.
  • Key drivers: capital, talent, energy.
  • Threat to technological sovereignty.
  • Requires inclusive global governance.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

Emerging Information TechnologiesWelfare Schemes & Social PoliciesGeopolitics & International Conflicts

A hold on AI: on the Preliminary Report of the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI

03 Jul 2026 · The digital divide in AI exacerbates the Global North-Global South gap in technology access, benefits, and regulatory capacity, posing challenges for developing nations and underscoring the need for inclusive global technology governance.

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Digital Divide and Global Technology Governance

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 8 linked questions on Digital Divide and Global Technology Governance in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.