According to a report from the UN News Service, it is expected that by 2028, creators of creative content may lose up to 25% of their income due to the impact of artificial intelligence (AI).
A new global report from UNESCO, covering over 120 countries, emphasizes that digital transformation and the growth of AI are leading to significant changes in the cultural sector. The study highlights that without updating cultural policies, inequality among content creators will only deepen.
Despite the fact that creative and cultural industries are becoming increasingly important for economic growth, the existing infrastructure supporting these sectors remains vulnerable. The report indicates that 85% of states include culture in their national development plans, yet only 56% set specific goals, demonstrating a gap between declared intentions and actual practice.
Global trade in cultural goods doubled in 2023, reaching $254 billion, with nearly half of this export belonging to developing countries. However, their share in the cultural services sector is just over 20%, indicating growing inequality amid the shift to digital markets.
Government funding for culture remains extremely low—less than 0.6% of global GDP—and this figure continues to shrink. An additional problem is the limited mobility of artists: developed countries support the departure of their creative professionals in 96% of cases, but only 38% facilitate entry for cultural workers from developing countries.
The report also notes significant structural changes caused by digitalization. The share of digital income among content creators has increased from 17% in 2018 to 35% today, but this has also led to increased income instability and risks of copyright infringement.
The most alarming forecasts concern generative AI: music creators may lose up to 24% of their income, while audiovisual content creators may lose up to 21% by 2028.
Moreover, the gap in digital skills remains significant: basic skills are possessed by 67% of the population in developed countries and only 28% of residents in developing countries.
UNESCO also reports an increase in threats to artistic freedom. Only 61% of countries have independent mechanisms for monitoring violations in this area. Political instability, conflicts, and forced displacement increase risks for cultural workers, while new challenges are posed by digital surveillance and algorithmic bias.
