The increasing cost of AI tools and subscriptions is creating a divide between those who can afford to use AI and those who cannot, with wealth and power concentrated in the hands of a few. Monthly subscriptions for AI services can be equivalent to several months of minimum wage in developing countries, making it difficult for freelancers and small companies to compete. This situation mirrors what happened with internet access in the 1990s, when the wealthy and urban areas had prioritized access. The U.S. Congress is examining how to prevent AI from widening societal gaps, but AI tools still command high prices that may hinder accessibility and innovation. It is suggested that increased competition, open-source solutions, and market dynamics could help address the issue of AI accessibility and democratize its use. Regulation, open innovation ecosystems, public-private partnerships, and lowering barriers of entry for AI development are proposed as solutions to ensure equitable access and shared benefits of AI. Without intervention, AI risks becoming another axis of global inequality.



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