“It’s laughable”: Global AI experts challenge Zuckerberg’s “AI for everyone”

Mark Zuckerberg released a letter titled “The Future for Everyone” on August 10, outlining his vision for using artificial intelligence to enhance human capabilities and ensure broader access to AI technologies. The letter emphasized the importance of distributing AI benefits equitably across nations and organizations, positioning it as a key step toward a positive AI future. However, the proposal has drawn sharp criticism from global AI experts, many of whom argue that Zuckerberg’s vision is overly optimistic and fails to address critical challenges facing developing regions. In interviews with Rest of World, six AI observers from different parts of the globe expressed skepticism about the feasibility of making AI universally accessible. They questioned whether the term “everyone” truly encompasses all individuals, particularly those living in marginalized or underrepresented communities. Some pointed out that while large-scale AI projects may offer theoretical benefits, their real-world impact remains limited, especially in regions where digital infrastructure is still underdeveloped. Chinasa T. Okolo, founder and scientific director of policy incubator Technecultura, argued that Meta has exaggerated the economic advantages of its data centers, particularly in African countries. She noted that while some African nations have invested heavily in AI-related infrastructure, such as Kenya’s stalled geothermal data center and upcoming Nvidia-powered AI facilities, these projects have yet to deliver substantial returns. According to Okolo, the primary economic benefits of data centers occur during construction, and once operational, they provide minimal long-term employment. Moreover, she warned that the presence of data centers often leads to rising housing costs and environmental degradation, issues that disproportionately affect communities lacking regulatory safeguards. Sagar Vishnoi, director and co-founder of Future Shift Labs, raised concerns about the exclusion of certain groups from Zuckerberg’s vision of universal AI access. He highlighted that people speaking low-resource or tribal languages, those relying on shared devices, and communities with unreliable internet connections are largely overlooked in discussions about AI democratization. Vishnoi stressed that true inclusivity in AI development would require more than just larger models, it would demand investment in open language infrastructure, community-driven data collection, and equitable access to computational resources for local researchers and developers. Mark Mulobi, a products and practices associate at the global nonprofit Digital Impact Alliance, echoed similar sentiments. As a Kenyan, he found the idea of AI acting as a personal tutor compelling, particularly for improving education and skill-building. However, he cautioned that the concept of “AI for everyone” ignores the practical barriers preventing widespread participation. These include inconsistent electricity supply, limited internet bandwidth, unaffordable devices, and the absence of localized content in non-English languages. Mulobi emphasized that achieving AI’s transformative potential in Africa, and globally, requires addressing these so-called “last-mile” challenges before any meaningful progress can be made. Experts also pointed out that the current approach to AI expansion often prioritizes technological advancement over ethical considerations. Many criticized the lack of accountability mechanisms and independent oversight in AI deployment, arguing that without robust governance frameworks, the technology risks reinforcing existing inequalities rather than bridging them. There is growing consensus among critics that AI should not merely be distributed more widely, it must be designed with greater sensitivity to the diverse needs and contexts of users worldwide. Looking ahead, the debate over AI accessibility is likely to intensify as more stakeholders weigh in. With increasing pressure to ensure responsible innovation, the conversation surrounding Zuckerberg’s vision will need to evolve beyond idealism and embrace the complex socio-economic realities that shape AI adoption. Whether or not the vision of “AI for everyone” becomes a reality will depend on how effectively these challenges are addressed.