The BRICS group—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—is calling for measures to prevent unauthorized uses of AI and limit excessive data collection.

Representing a significant share of the world’s population and economy, BRICS aims to strengthen the voice of developing nations in global affairs.

The bloc also seeks to establish mechanisms to ensure fair payment for material used in training AI models.

This initiative addresses concerns about large technology companies, primarily based in wealthier nations, that have resisted calls to pay copyright fees for such usage.

🔗 Source: Reuters

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ The growing “AI divide” threatens to widen global economic gaps

BRICS nations’ push for AI protections reflects a broader concern about technology disparities between developed and developing economies.

Research by the International Labour Organization warns of an emerging “AI divide” that could exacerbate existing inequalities between nations if not addressed through proactive policies 1.

The IMF’s AI Preparedness Index shows that developing economies generally score lower on readiness for AI adoption across multiple dimensions, creating barriers to capturing AI’s benefits 2.

Approximately 40% of global employment is exposed to AI impacts, but the nature of this exposure varies significantly between advanced and developing economies, with the latter potentially facing greater challenges in adaptation 2.

While AI could add trillions to the global economy, there’s a risk that these benefits will be concentrated in already-wealthy nations that dominate AI development and infrastructure.

2️⃣ BRICS stance represents a counterbalance to G7-led AI governance approaches

The BRICS position on AI protections reveals an emerging contrast with the regulatory frameworks being developed by G7 nations.

While G7 ministers have advocated for a “risk-based” approach to AI regulation focused on governance frameworks that promote innovation alongside safety 3, BRICS countries are emphasizing economic fairness and compensation.

This divergence reflects broader geopolitical tensions, with developing nations concerned about being rule-takers rather than rule-makers in the emerging AI economy.