Democratizing AI: A call for digital liberation

I have long warned that AI’s rapid advancement could parallel historical patterns of colonization. If AI truly represents a black swan event—a disruptive moment in history—then we must confront what happens when 99 percent of the world’s languages are left behind. This is far more than a linguistic concern; it strikes at the heart of accessibility, representation, and digital equity. If we do not change who leads AI development, we risk inaugurating a new era of digital colonization, where only a privileged few command the tools to shape tomorrow.

- NIGHT OWL ANNA MAE YU LAMENTILLO

Language is the gateway to identity and knowledge. Every tongue carries unique stories, scientific insights, and cultural practices. When AI models are built almost exclusively on English, Mandarin, or Spanish, speakers of Quechua, Karay-a, Wolof, or Māori—and thousands of others—are effectively barred from AI-powered education, healthcare guidance, and local governance tools. This digital exclusion mirrors the colonial imposition of a ruler’s language, which erased indigenous voices across continents. To democratize AI, we must embed multilingual capabilities at its core, ensuring that every community can interact with, contribute to, and benefit from intelligent systems.