Why critical AI literacy matters: a scoping review of AI literacy literature and its implications for governance

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly embedded in public infrastructure, AI literacy has emerged as a critical priority. While AI is often said to have the potential to improve efficiency, growing evidence shows that, when left unchecked, it can deepen inequality and reinforce systemic biases. This gap between promise and practice exposes an urgent need for a more socially grounded understanding of AI literacy that accounts for lived experiences, not just technical skills. Current understandings of AI literacy need to include informed decision-making, critical engagement and resistance to technological coercion by taking an agency-driven approach. This project is a scoping review of studies on AI literacy published globally between 2015 and 2024. Bringing together findings across disciplines, this knowledge synthesis identifies key gaps, highlights areas of emerging consensus and provides evidence to guide more coordinated, equitable and trusted approaches to AI governance.