What is happening in Latin America?

As AI continues to evolve and influence global economies and our daily lives, many Latin American countries are taking significant steps to regulate this advancing technology whilst trying to harness its potential in a responsible manner. With a focus on ethics, safety and inclusivity in development, many nations are engaging with individual and legislative efforts alongside international cooperation to address the challenges and opportunities AI could present. 

On 10 August 2023, 17 countries from Latin America signed a collective agreement in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, to collaborate on AI governance, ecosystems and education. Countries that signed this agreement included Brazil, Chile, Uruguay and Cuba. The countries pledged to work together in the development and usage of AI in a manner that is ethical, safe, inclusive, efficient and dynamic. This also includes a provision whereby members of the agreement promise to exchange expertise, data and good practices. They also agreed to use AI-based solutions to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Together, it should work in such a way as to simultaneously harness the technology efficiently, whilst generating the potential to spur economic growth. 

On an individual country-level basis, Argentina’s lower chamber of Congress held its first hearing on AI, where a series of legislative initiatives are being discussed. With no less than 18 bills already proposed, the country is demonstrating a proactive approach to AI regulation. Similarly, legislative assemblies in Ecuador and Costa Rica have also received new proposals on AI, marking the second and third bills, respectively, to be discussed in these countries. In addition, bills on regulating AI are also at various stages of the parliamentary process in countries including Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Mexico and Uruguay. These nations are working to develop policies that not only address the potential risks associated with AI but also aim to stimulate economic growth and innovation. 

Together, these efforts all reflect a growing recognition across the region of the need to establish frameworks that ensure the ethical and effective use of AI.

What is in it for you?

There has been a rising trend among countries in Latin America to recognise the importance of regulating AI to align with ethical standards and human rights considerations.

Therefore, one of the key aspects of this regional collective initiative mentioned above is the commitment to governing AI with a strong emphasis on human rights, particularly the protection of personal data. It will ensure that as AI becomes more infiltrated into various sectors, the technologies employed will adhere rigorously to standards and safeguards to privacy and data integrity. Undoubtedly, human rights groups will play an important role in overseeing this, ensuring deployments are transparent and accountable.

To further bolster the region’s position on the global stage, the countries in this alliance agreed to embrace UNESCO’s recommendations from the AI for Good Global Summit, which was hosted by the International Telecommunication Union. This regional collaboration aims to strengthen the voice and influence of Latin America and the Caribbeans in international discussions. 

Thus echoing this sentiment, Colombia’s Minister of Information Technologies and Communications (ICT) Mauicio Lizcano who stated that “the objective is to have joint work from Latin America and the Caribbean ready for the UN Summit of the Future in September”.

What happens next?

As Latin America prepares for the UN Summit of the Future, a guarantee of such a significant regional agreement can bolster its diplomatic leverage. Crucially, such steps in AI regulation are occurring alongside developments in international trade, particularly with the European Union (EU). 

According to the World Economic Forum, the EU has renewed efforts to create a trade deal with Latin America, and if successful, can enhance economic ties and enhance technological exchange between the two regions. It underscores the growing trend and ambition for Latin America to be more globally integrated, in which such developments can provide additional impetus.

The Polis Team in London