Will developing nations be able to handle AI agents? (restofworld.org)

Big Tech's latest AI personal agents, Meta's Muse and OpenAI's Dots, are designed to streamline daily tasks like booking reservations and making purchases, but their global expansion raises critical questions about adaptability in developing nations. With Muse already achieving 9 million downloads in North America since its launch, Meta aims for a worldwide user base. However, local startups like South Africa's ManyHands face significant challenges in customizing their AI agents to accommodate diverse languages and cultural nuances, as they must understand and navigate local communication styles and informal social networks to be effective. The deployment of these AI agents could exacerbate the digital divide in regions like Africa, where internet access is limited—only 36% of the population was online in 2025, compared to higher rates in Western nations. As these agents require significant connectivity and often generate up to 450% more internet traffic per task than humans, areas with poorer infrastructure may struggle. Additionally, the cost of premium services may exclude many potential users, compounding inequalities. Local businesses will need to adjust their online presence to interact with these bots, which may place further strain on resources, especially among smaller enterprises. As AI agents gain traction, the implications for cultural representation, economic equity, and regulatory oversight become increasingly critical.