By Avashnee Moodley

Access to information, education, and opportunity is one of the defining human rights issues of our time. This as South Africa marks Human Rights Day.

In a world where technology drives economic growth, knowledge-sharing, and social mobility, digital exclusion is no longer just an inconvenience but a barrier to progress. Without access to the internet and digital tools, millions are locked out of education, employment, and essential services, deepening socio-economic inequality.

For decades, access to technology has remained uneven, disproportionately affecting lower-income communities, rural populations, and those with limited digital literacy. In South Africa, high data costs have long made connectivity a privilege rather than a right. However, recent shifts signal progress. This year’s National Budget Speech reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reducing data costs and expanding Information and Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure, paving the way for greater digital inclusion.

Affordable internet access is crucial but only part of the solution. Smartphones - often the only gateway to the digital world for millions - must also be affordable, intuitive, and accessible. Yet having a device alone is not enough. This is where Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerges as a powerful enabler, transforming smartphones into intelligent assistants that break language barriers, enhance digital literacy, and improve accessibility, ensuring no one is left behind in the digital revolution.

Breaking Language Barriers with AI-Powered Translation

In a country as linguistically diverse as South Africa, language can be an unseen barrier to economic and educational access. The dominance of English and a few other major languages in digital spaces means that millions still struggle to engage with online content, official documents, or global marketplaces. AI-powered real-time translation is changing this, enabling users to instantly translate entire screens or selected text into multiple languages - from educational resources to online services.

This shift is not just about convenience; it is about breaking systemic barriers that have long dictated who gets to participate in the digital economy and who is excluded. AI-driven translation ensures that language is no longer a limitation but a bridge that allows people to engage with global knowledge, collaborate across borders, and access previously inaccessible services.

AI Writing Assistance: Empowering Digital Literacy

Literacy remains one of the most significant determinants of economic opportunity, yet millions still struggle with digital communication, professional writing, and access to information. AI-driven writing assistance is a powerful tool for levelling the playing field. It allows users to check grammar, rewrite, condense, extend, or polish their work, and even receive AI-generated summaries of complex documents.

For students, job seekers, and professionals who may not have had access to formal training in written communication, these AI tools serve as virtual mentors, helping them navigate the demands of a digital-first economy. The ability to communicate effectively should not be dictated by privilege or access to elite education. AI ensures that everyone has the tools to write, express, and engage confidently, reinforcing digital literacy as a fundamental right, not an advantage.

AI and the Creator Economy: Expanding Economic Opportunity

Digital literacy is more than just the ability to read and write - it’s about understanding and leveraging technology for economic growth. As AI transforms smartphones into powerful creative tools, it unlocks new industries, from gaming and eSports to content creation and digital entrepreneurship. AI-powered cameras now offer automated scene recognition, enhanced low-light photography, and real-time editing, making high-quality content creation accessible to more people. Those who can navigate AI-driven tools are better positioned to monetise their skills, turning digital platforms into sources of income. With AI lowering barriers, talent - not privilege - defines who thrives in the digital economy.

AI for Gaming: Power Meets Accessibility

Gaming is more than entertainment; for many, it is a gateway to digital literacy, problem-solving, and economic participation. As AI makes technology more intuitive, gaming is emerging as a training ground for digital skills, helping users develop strategic thinking, cognitive agility, and technical proficiency, all essential for the evolving digital economy.

Yet, high-performance gaming has traditionally been expensive and inaccessible, requiring advanced hardware and high-speed networks. AI is transforming this landscape, enabling immersive, high-speed gaming on affordable mobile devices. With Adaptive Frame Booster, AI enables smooth 120 FPS gameplay while using 18% less power, ensuring that even users with mid-range devices can experience high-quality gaming without costly upgrades. Meanwhile, AI-powered haptics, like O-Haptics’ X-axis linear motor, are redefining mobile gaming experiences, making them more intuitive, responsive, and engaging.

Beyond recreation, gaming is becoming a platform for education, skills development, and even digital careers, from eSports to game development. As AI removes technical barriers, it unlocks new pathways for learning, competition, and economic opportunity, ensuring that talent - not access to expensive technology - determines success in the digital world.

The Ethical Responsibility of AI Development

AI has the power to drive inclusion, but its impact depends on how responsibly it is developed and deployed. When technology is not designed for diverse communities, it risks reinforcing inequality instead of dismantling it. AI must be accessible, affordable, and free from biases perpetuating digital exclusion.

On Human Rights Day, we must recognise that equality includes the right to access knowledge and technology. The future of innovation should not be about who can afford to participate; it must ensure that no one is left behind. AI should not divide us; it must uplift and empower society.