DETROIT – The US ranks first in digital infrastructure and in artificial intelligence, demonstrating attractiveness for AI investments and readiness to integrate AI into public services. Following closely are two Asian countries: Singapore in 2nd place and South Korea in 3rd. Europe has four countries in the top AI development rankings: the UK, France, Germany, and the Netherlands.

“Measuring digital quality of life is no longer possible without looking at AI implementation, which is why we made AI one of the core pillars of our global benchmark report. It shows whether a country is attractive to AI investments and ready to integrate the technology into public services. Higher positioning in AI development can streamline routine work, create new job positions, enhance public services, and support sustainable economic growth,” says Tomas Stamulis, Chief Security Officer at Surfshark.

Leading in artificial intelligence doesn’t always align with strong data protection

“Since AI is here to stay, all countries should start prioritizing reliable nationwide connectivity,“ he adds. “That includes modernizing and securing IT systems, training and reskilling their workforce, and adopting clear laws with effective oversight. However, what is concerning is that even some of the highest‑ranked countries in AI development still lack strong data protection laws, which is essential when processing large volumes of sensitive information.” adds T. Stamulis.

Only half of the top ten countries in artificial intelligence offer the highest level of data protection. These include the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, and the Netherlands. In contrast, Singapore, despite being ranked 2nd in artificial intelligence, is considered to have a very low level of data protection and does not meet the standards recognized by the EU.

Asia faces the greatest disparity in the AI landscape, while Europe experiences the least

The largest disparity in AI scores between the top and bottom countries is in Asia, with Singapore scoring four times higher than Yemen. Europe shows the smallest difference, where the United Kingdom’s AI score is 2 times higher than that of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Countries better prepared for artificial intelligence cover the majority of internet users in each region, except Africa

In Europe, countries with AI scores above the global average encompass 97% of internet users in the analyzed countries. In North America, this figure is 92%, in Asia 91%, and in South America 87%.

Approximately 25% of all internet users in the analyzed African countries are in nations with an above-average AI score. Specifically, only South Africa and Egypt out of the 25 analyzed countries have AI scores above the global average.

“Artificial intelligence can transform economies and improve quality of life,” says T. Stamulis. “But without investment in digital infrastructure and ensuring society is ready to use these tools, AI risks widening the digital divide, leaving some countries and vulnerable populations behind.”

METHODOLOGY

The Digital Quality of Life Index 2025 examines 121 countries, using open-source data from the United Nations, the World Bank, and other reputable sources. The index evaluates five pillars: internet quality, internet affordability, digital security, digital infrastructure, and artificial intelligence, which has been added as a new pillar in 2025: https://surfshark.com/research/dql/methodology

ABOUT SURFSHARK

Surfshark is a cybersecurity company offering products including an audited VPN, certified antivirus, data leak warning system, private search engine, and a tool for generating an online identity. Recognized as a leading VPN by CNET and TechRadar, Surfshark has also been featured on the FT1000: Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies ranking. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Surfshark has offices in Lithuania and Poland.

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