Three years after its launch on November 30, 2022, OpenAI‘s ChatGPT has evolved into a transformative force, boasting approximately 800 million weekly users across more than 20 languages. Following its predecessor, the viral image generator DALL-E, this AI-driven chatbot quickly captivated global audiences. After the United States, significant growth has been observed in countries like India, Brazil, Indonesia, and the Philippines, underlining ChatGPT’s international appeal and impact.
Since its inception, concerns about potential job displacement due to AI have been prevalent. By 2023, these fears materialized as specific job categories began to face challenges. For instance, illustrators, web developers, and translators have seen some impact, particularly freelancers in regions like Kenya, where many write essays for American students. Conversely, various sectors have found innovative uses for ChatGPT. In Indonesia’s film industry, the tool aids in scripting, while farmers in Malawi utilize a chatbot powered by ChatGPT for instant agricultural advice in local dialects. Notably, in Colombia, around 85% of judges employ free versions of ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot to expedite case closures, consequently allowing lawyers to manage more cases efficiently.
The integration of ChatGPT into education has also been significant. Schools in India have begun utilizing the software for research projects, encouraging students to reflect on their findings in class discussions. Additionally, an AI initiative in Mali employs ChatGPT to translate educational materials into local languages, enhancing learning for young students. However, not all implementations have been seamless; South Korea’s AI learning program faced backlash after just four months due to issues related to inaccuracies, data privacy, and an increased workload for educators.
In healthcare, ChatGPT is frequently deployed to address health-related inquiries. In South Korea, this application extends to the use of ChatGPT-powered robotic dolls that provide companionship for older adults, reminding them to take medications and alerting caregivers in emergencies. This innovative approach underscores the potential for AI to enhance patient engagement and support.
The political arena has also seen the influence of ChatGPT, particularly during the 2024 elections, where over 2 billion people across 50 countries participated in voting. AI companies generated substantial revenue by producing election content in India. However, the technology has also been exploited for misinformation, as evidenced by more than 170 fraudulent accounts on X that leveraged ChatGPT to influence Ghana’s presidential election. The Rest of World initiative documented various instances of AI-generated content during this election cycle, illuminating both playful and serious uses of the technology in shaping political narratives.
While ChatGPT excels in languages like English, Spanish, and Japanese, it struggles with languages such as Bengali, Swahili, Urdu, and Thai—languages spoken by millions but less represented online. Research from the Rest of World highlighted that shortcomings in ChatGPT’s performance extend beyond mere translation errors, leading to fabricated terminology and illogical responses. In response, numerous developers in non-English speaking countries are creating their own large language models (LLMs). Indonesia, with its linguistic diversity, has seen initiatives to develop localized models, while the Philippines is pioneering ITanong, an alternative that incorporates Filipino and Taglish. Latin America is represented by Chile’s Latam-GPT, and in Nigeria, the startup Awarri is working on the country’s first government-supported LLM.
In China, despite ChatGPT being officially inaccessible, tech-savvy individuals have found ways to utilize the platform through VPNs and other means. Some developers have integrated ChatGPT’s API into localized applications, offering tools for drafting work reports and providing relationship advice. Meanwhile, China is advancing its own AI models, such as Qwen, which attracted major clients in 2024. The launch of DeepSeek, a model that matches the performance of leading Western counterparts at a lower cost, has spurred Chinese companies, including automakers and appliance manufacturers, to adopt these homegrown AI solutions rapidly.
As AI technology continues to evolve, its influence in various sectors is likely to expand, raising questions about the balance between innovation and its societal implications. The ongoing development of AI in different regions highlights both the potential benefits and the challenges that lie ahead as the world navigates this transformative digital landscape.
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