Brazil Needs to Create Sovereign Generative AI Solutions Now
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Loading... - Liisa Turunen
- 08 Jan 2025
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In today's world, the ability to innovate with technology is crucial for development. For Brazil, it is imperative to claim our space in the rising wave of generative AI. Building a sovereign generative AI solution—one that serves our interests, supports our values, and strengthens our position in the global community—is not just a technological ambition; it is a national necessity.
Generative AI is more than a tool for corporations or a luxury for a few tech giants; it is a national asset that offers Brazil the opportunity to shape its future for the benefit of our people and society. The generative AI that currently dominates the landscape is often created by large tech companies in Silicon Valley, with priorities that may not align with our own. This is a moment for Brazil to decide whether we want to be passive consumers of technologies shaped by others or active creators of technologies tailored to our needs.
The Case for Sovereign Generative AI
Artificial intelligence has become one of the most transformative technologies of our time, impacting sectors from healthcare to agriculture to education. However, the generative AI solutions available to us are not designed with Brazil in mind. A sovereign generative AI would prioritize our national goals, such as fighting inequality, creating economic opportunities, improving healthcare, and strengthening our democratic processes.
Brazil is home to immense talent and a vibrant academic and technology community. We have scientists, researchers, and developers capable of creating technology solutions that address our most pressing challenges. It is time to direct our resources and vision toward making this a reality.
Control Over Our Data
One of the primary reasons for developing sovereign AI is the need for control over our own data. Data is the lifeblood of AI, and relying on foreign-developed solutions means ceding control of our citizens’ data to external entities. Data sovereignty is essential for a nation to maintain control over its destiny. By establishing a sovereign generative AI, Brazil can implement transparent data practices that respect the privacy of our citizens and ensure that data is used to benefit society.
A generative AI built by us, for us, would guarantee that our data serves to improve the quality of life for Brazilians rather than being exploited for profit by corporations that do not prioritize our interests.
Fostering Independence
Investing in sovereign generative AI would also bolster Brazil's independence and resilience. Past crises—be they economic, health-related, or political—have shown how dependence on international companies can limit our choices. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the value of local production capabilities, a lesson that applies equally to artificial intelligence. To ensure that our technological systems are resilient and responsive to our needs, we must develop the capacity to build and control these systems ourselves.
Promoting Inclusion
Sovereign generative AI can also serve as a tool for fostering inclusion and reducing inequalities. AI has the potential to revolutionize education, improve agriculture, and expand healthcare access. However, for these benefits to reach every Brazilian, generative AI systems must be designed with our local realities in mind, reflecting our challenges and diversity.
For instance, the Philippines is developing iTanong, a local version of ChatGPT that is relevant to Filipinos, allowing citizens to apply for welfare programs and access vital information during emergencies. Brazil can create similar solutions that cater specifically to our population.
Leading in Responsible AI
Brazil has a unique opportunity to lead in the realm of responsible AI. The rapid growth of generative AI worldwide has sparked debates about ethics and regulation, with concerns about biased decision-making and misinformation. By developing a sovereign generative AI that is effective and ethical, Brazil can establish guidelines for transparency, fairness, and accountability, ensuring that AI benefits everyone and does not reinforce existing inequalities.
This commitment to responsible AI development can set Brazil apart, showcasing ethical leadership in an industry that often lacks transparency.
Overcoming Challenges
Critics may argue that developing sovereign generative AI is too ambitious or costly for Brazil. However, this perspective is short-sighted. Investing in generative AI is an investment in our future—a future where we have a say in the technologies that shape our society. Countries like Canada and Estonia, despite their smaller populations, have successfully developed AI strategies, demonstrating that success is about vision and commitment rather than size.
Brazil has the talent and ambition to develop generative AI that serves our needs. We cannot continue to depend on technologies developed abroad, accepting whatever comes our way. It is time for Brazil to take control, develop our own sovereign generative AI, and shape our future.
We need AI that understands our problems, reflects our values, and is built to serve our people. The time has come for Brazil to invest in sovereign generative AI and, ultimately, in our future.
