In the modern world, the ability to innovate with technology defines the path to development. For Brazil, I believe it is time to claim our space in the rising wave of generative AI.
I am convinced that Brazil must focus on building a sovereign GenAI solution, an AI that serves our interests, supports our values, and strengthens our position in the global community. GenAI is not just a tool for corporations or a luxury for a few tech giants. It is a national asset, an opportunity for Brazil to carve out its future, for the benefit of our people and our society.
We Need to Create Sovereign GenAI
Today, artificial intelligence has become one of the most important technologies shaping our lives. From health, to agriculture, to education, the many types of AI are already making a difference in every field. Yet, the generative AI that dominates these spaces is not designed by us; it is often created by big tech companies in Silicon Valley, with priorities and values that do not always align with our own.
I was reading article “Building the Future Federation: The Rising Calls for Sovereign AI” and I agree with its call for countries to develop their own sovereign GenAI. Sovereign Generative AI is not just a technological ambition; it is a political necessity. This is the 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 own needs.
A sovereign GenAI is a technological tool that reflects who we are. It would prioritize our national goals, like fighting inequality, creating economic opportunities, improving healthcare, and strengthening our democratic processes.
Brazil Can Create GenAI Solutions
Brazil is a country with immense talent and a vibrant academic and technology community. We have scientists, researchers, and developers who are capable of creating technology solutions that addresses our most pressing challenges. It is time to direct our resources and our vision toward making this a reality.
We Must Control Our Data
One major reason why we need sovereign AI is control over our own data. Data is the lifeblood of AI, and by relying on foreign-developed AI, we essentially hand over control of our citizens’ data to outside entities.
Data sovereignty is at the core of a nation’s ability to maintain control over its own destiny. Dependency makes us vulnerable. With a sovereign GenAI, Brazil could establish transparent data practices that respect the privacy of our citizens and ensure that data is used in a way that benefits society.
GenAI built by us, for us, would have the guarantee that our data serves to improve the quality of life of Brazilians, rather than being exploited for profit by corporations that do not have our interests at heart.
We Must Be Independent
Moreover, by investing in sovereign GenAI, Brazil could bolster its independence and resilience. In times of crisis – be it economic, health, or political – we have seen how dependence on international companies can limit our choices.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we experienced supply shortages, and we learned the hard way the value of local production capabilities. The same logic applies to artificial intelligence. If we want 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.
Brazil cannot afford to be dependent on external powers when it comes to such a critical technology.
GenAI Can Be Inclusive
Additionally, sovereign GenAI could serve as a tool for fostering inclusion and reducing inequalities. AI can revolutionize education, improve agriculture, and expand healthcare. But for these benefits to truly reach every Brazilian, GenAI systems must be designed with our local realities in mind, understanding our challenges and diversity.
AI trained on datasets that reflect Brazil’s specific context will be far more effective than a one-size-fits-all solution from the United States or China. Just look at the Philippines. They are developing iTanong, a local version of ChatGPT in English and Tagalog that is relevant to Filipinos. Citizens can use the program to apply to welfare programs, track benefit payments, or locate evacuation sites during a natural disaster.
Responsible AI From Brazil
I also see a big opportunity for Brazil to take the lead in responsible AI. Around the world, the rapid growth of GenAI has sparked debates about ethics and regulation. People are worried about AI systems making biased decisions, threatening jobs, or spreading misinformation.
Brazil can create a sovereign GenAI that is not only effective but also ethical. We can establish guidelines for transparency, fairness, and accountability – making sure GenAI benefits everyone and does not reinforce existing inequalities.
Responsible AI development can become a differentiator for Brazil, showcasing ethical leadership in an otherwise opaque industry. This way, we can become leaders in responsible AI, setting an example for other nations.
We Must Create Sovereign GenAI
Critics may argue that developing sovereign GenAI is too ambitious or too expensive for Brazil. But I believe this is a short-sighted view. Investing in GenAI is an investment in our future—a future where we have a say in the technologies that shape our society, where we are not just followers but leaders.
Countries like Canada and Estonia, much smaller in population than Brazil, have already developed successful AI strategies, showing that it is not about size, but about vision and commitment. We have the talent, we have the ambition, and with strategic investments and partnerships, we can develop Generative AI that serves Brazil.
We cannot continue to depend on technologies developed abroad, accepting whatever comes to us. We must take control, develop our own sovereign GenAI, and shape our future. I want to see Brazil as a leader in GenAI, not just a participant.
We need AI that understands our problems, reflects our values, and is built to serve our people. It is time for Brazil to invest in sovereign GenAI. To invest in our future.
