As we mark Safer Internet Day 2026, the conversation has evolved beyond basic internet safety. With AI now deeply integrated into global economies and daily life, we face a critical question:
How do we ensure these powerful technologies serve humanity’s best interests, especially in underserved communities? AI is no longer a luxury or novelty, it’s reshaping human behavior and society daily.
According to recent data, global AI adoption reached 72% among businesses in 2024, yet this growth brings significant vulnerabilities. Children and vulnerable populations face increased risks from AI-powered deepfakes, misinformation, and privacy breaches. UNESCO reports that only 15% of countries have comprehensive AI ethics frameworks as of early 2025.
The fundamental question isn’t just about technological advancement, it’s about purpose. Are we deploying AI to strengthen moral societies, cure diseases, and create sustainable economies? Or are we prioritizing profits over people?
The digital divide remains stark. The World Bank estimates that 2.6 billion people still lack internet access, with rural areas disproportionately affected. However, AI presents unprecedented opportunities for rural development. Consider energy access: 770 million people worldwide lack electricity, predominantly in rural areas. AI-powered microgrids and predictive maintenance systems can optimize renewable energy distribution, making clean power accessible to remote villages. Once implemented successfully in one location, these solutions can be replicated across regions, stimulating rural development and reducing urban migration pressures when opportunities are created everywhere, not just in cities.
When rural women access AI tools for enterprise management, inventory tracking, and market analysis, productivity increases significantly. Studies show that closing the digital gender gap could add $1 trillion to developing economies by 2025. In education, AI learning hubs in villages can personalize learning experiences, helping students overcome resource limitations. Early pilots in Kenya and India show 40% improvement in learning outcomes when students access AI-assisted tutoring. For agriculture, AI-driven crop monitoring, weather prediction, and pest management help smallholder farmers increase yields by up to 30%, according to recent agricultural technology reports.
The solution requires decentralizing AI research and development. Rural communities must become creators, not just consumers, of technology. This means establishing AI innovation hubs in rural areas where locals solve local challenges, investing in infrastructure that supports both connectivity and computing power, training rural entrepreneurs and students in AI literacy and development, and creating frameworks that ensure AI safety and ethics are built into rural solutions from the start. Substantial investment in rural R&D and community-led innovation is essential for this transformation.
As we embrace this year’s Safer Internet Day theme “Smart Tech, Safe Choices-Exploring the safe and responsible use of AI”, the challenge is clear: We must build AI systems that are safe, equitable, and designed to uplift humanity’s most vulnerable populations.
The villages of developing nations hold immense potential. With proper AI integration, they can leapfrog traditional development stages, creating opportunities that keep populations thriving locally rather than migrating to overcrowded cities. The future of AI isn’t just about what comes after current technologies, it’s about ensuring everyone has a seat at the table where that future is being built.
About the Author
Peter Mmbando, is enthusiastic in Cyber Diplomacy, Digital Rights and AI governance, with a strong commitment to fostering cyber peace, sustainable development and addressing the urgent challenges of digital climate resilience.Peter Mmbando can be reached on LinkedIn
