Introduction

Indigenous languages face the growing risk of being lost and forgotten. Currently, digital access is mainly offered for major languages across the world. Hence, many Indigenous languages are left behind. This exclusion creates barriers, not only in cultural expression but also in workplaces and daily life, leaving Indigenous communities disadvantaged. Language loss is not only a cultural issue; it has become a human rights and policy issue. In 2025, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the United Nations recognized that digital access is a human right and decided to focus on cultural awareness and documentation. The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) also supports this. These communities must be represented online and have control over their language data.

Call for Ethical AI Governance and Cultural Control

In September 2025, the UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development took place. The conference, known as “MONDIACULT,” is the world’s largest cultural policy meeting. It brings leaders together to help take global action. Experts warned that artificial intelligence (AI) is growing faster than current laws can regulate. While AI offers opportunities to preserve endangered languages by recording and teaching them, it also presents serious risks. AI can collect cultural data without consent and misinterpret Indigenous languages. Thus, the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) has noted the danger AI holds for Indigenous communities.

When AI treats Indigenous languages as if they function like major world languages, it can misinterpret meanings, reproduce bias, or otherwise make large errors. This raises ethical concerns about language preservation, cultural respect, and the limits of AI in accurately representing marginalized linguistic communities. For instance, in December 2024, a book series claimed to teach key terms in Indigenous languages such as Mi’kmaq, Mohawk, and Abenaki. This was instead found to be AI‑generated. It contained incorrect translations and raised concerns about cultural authenticity and misuse of linguistic data.

Moreover, major technology companies like OpenAI, Amazon, and Google have sought to gain access to Indigenous language data to develop services and products for users. However, they do not share the benefits with Indigenous communities, largely because the data is treated as a commercial resource rather than cultural knowledge belonging to the people themselves. This creates a cycle in which Indigenous knowledge is exploited for profit while the communities that provide it remain excluded from the advantages of technological development. Although MONDIACULT calls for strong laws, these are not enough to protect Indigenous languages. Indigenous peoples must be more involved with these AI tools and guide the work. Without their involvement, AI use may weaken cultures.

A positive example of ethical AI use is India’s Adi Vaani project. Adi Vaani is an AI-powered translator for tribal languages such as Santali, Bhili, Mundari, and Gondi. It was launched in 2025 by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, and tribal research institutes, and community experts were involved in collecting and validating language data. This ensures the AI respects cultural knowledge and preserves oral traditions. Adi Vaani enables real-time translation, supports learning, and improves access to education, healthcare, and government services for tribal communities. AI can support language preservation without exploiting Indigenous knowledge, provided that communities lead the design process and governments commit to sustained investment.

The Global Roadmap on Multilingualism in the Digital Era

In 2025, UNESCO released the “Global Roadmap on Multilingualism.” This is a plan for achieving digital equity. The roadmap explains that language inclusion is essential for true digital inclusion, especially because AI and digital tools are part of daily life. There are over 7,000 languages in the world, but few have strong digital support. Those excluded face barriers due to exclusion in school, work, and public life.

UNESCO presented the roadmap during the Second World Summit for Social Development. This plan also supports the Doha Political Declaration, which reaffirmed global goals. It also promises to “leave no one behind.” It stresses that digital inclusion is not possible without language inclusion. Further, it is a part of everyday life, from student use to government services. As digital access becomes important, Indigenous people must be able to control their own data. Involving Indigenous peoples in digital design reduces harm from AI errors and prevents the erasure of cultural knowledge. Achieving justice in this area demands strong legal action, meaningful consultation, and sustained investment.

Conclusion

Technology has the power to shape the survival of Indigenous languages, influencing culture, education, and daily life. UNESCO’s roadmap and MONDIACULT highlight the urgency of linking digital inclusion with language inclusion. Yet access alone cannot safeguard these languages. Without strong laws and genuine community control, Indigenous peoples risk losing ownership of their language data and cultural heritage. States must prioritize policies that protect language rights, establish fair agreements for AI use, and invest in community-driven solutions. With stronger protections and empowered communities, technology can serve as a force for preservation rather than erasure. The committee must push for robust frameworks and resources to ensure that Indigenous languages thrive in the digital era.

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