Alongside vast opportunities, the rapid development of artificial intelligence among BRICS members comes with significant technological and governance challenges, including ethical issues, data security, high energy consumption in data centers, workforce displacement, and concerns regarding digital sovereignty. Consequently, most BRICS countries have defined “AI governance” as a key component of national security and technological independence, seeking local control over algorithms, strategic data, and computing infrastructure.
However, policy approaches vary among members. Brazil relies on data protection laws, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and responsibility in AI systems. India follows a gradual, support-oriented supervision approach, focusing on data infrastructure development, training skilled personnel, and commercializing AI solutions in industry, agriculture, and public services. Russia prioritizes AI development in the public sector, implementing programs for extensive AI use in medical diagnostics, urban management, and smart transportation.
China, through its Global AI Governance Initiative, aims to shape international rules—especially for developing countries—and coordinate areas such as information security and technology exchange. Nevertheless, the absence of common technical standards, differences in investment levels, heterogeneous data protection laws, and the lack of a unified governance framework pose multiple obstacles to deeper AI collaboration within BRICS.
It is noteworthy that the future of AI in BRICS will be a combination of competition and cooperation among member states. Competition is linked to product development, models, and market creation, while cooperation pertains to foundational infrastructure, fundamental research, cybersecurity, standardization, and ethics. AI has the potential to become a safe, inclusive, and impactful tool for the Global South.
Code; 1055-20260126
