AI is ushering in a new era of colonialism AI models are predominantly trained on data from Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic societies, leading to the perpetuation of stereotypes and the erasure of cultural nuances for Indigenous groups and people of color. Critics argue that this data collection is a new form of colonialism, where AI companies profit from marginalized communities’ information without proper consent or verification, mirroring historical land seizures. This trend is exacerbated by Big Tech’s drive for profit and speed, potentially overlooking the unique knowledge systems and traditions of Indigenous peoples.

• AI models trained on Western data often mimic the values, writing styles, viewpoints, and biases of white men.
• Critics compare AI data collection from marginalized groups to a new form of colonialism, where companies profit from information without consent.
• Large Language Models (LLMs) are primarily trained on data originating from North America and Europe, leading to inaccuracies and the invention of details based on Western assumptions.
• The drive for profit and speed in AI development by Big Tech exacerbates the problem, making it costly and time-consuming to engage with Indigenous communities for knowledge sharing.
• Many Indigenous traditions are not accounted for by AI because they are passed down orally, not in written text accessible to LLMs.
• The answers provided by LLMs increasingly shape how people understand themselves, culture, history, identity, and what is considered true. Continue reading https://www.axios.com/2026/06/04/ai-data-extraction-colonialism