At a high-stakes summit held in Rio de Janeiro, the leaders of BRICS member states—including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—united to call for stronger protections against the unauthorized use of data by artificial intelligence systems. As AI continues to expand its influence across sectors, BRICS nations emphasized the urgent need for a global framework that ensures responsible AI development and use. The statement issued at the summit outlines proposals for fair compensation to data owners, limitations on excessive data collection, and transparency in AI model training processes.
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The joint declaration reflects growing unease among emerging economies that their citizens' data is being mined by large tech firms—mostly based in the United States and Europe—without consent or fair remuneration. In response, BRICS leaders called for international rules that safeguard user privacy, respect intellectual property, and uphold national data sovereignty. Several leaders expressed concern over the growing influence of tech conglomerates that operate outside traditional regulatory frameworks, enabling them to exploit data without meaningful oversight or accountability.
One of the core elements proposed by BRICS is a multilateral mechanism to license and monitor the training of AI systems. This mechanism would require companies to disclose the sources of their training data and compensate individuals or groups whose content is utilized. The goal is to reduce what some nations view as digital colonialism—where advanced economies extract value from data generated in the Global South without contributing to local development or digital equity.
Additionally, BRICS countries are exploring the creation of their own AI development platforms to reduce reliance on foreign technologies. These platforms would prioritize ethical data practices and align with local cultural and legal standards. Investment in homegrown AI talent, infrastructure, and research was also encouraged, as part of a broader push to assert technological independence and resilience. Some members of the bloc are already advancing in this area, with India and China emerging as regional AI powerhouses.
The summit also touched on broader geopolitical concerns, with BRICS positioning itself as a counterbalance to existing Western-led technology norms. Member nations expressed frustration that current AI governance discussions are dominated by a few industrialized countries, leaving little room for inclusive dialogue. By proposing a more democratic approach to AI regulation, BRICS aims to promote equitable digital development and prevent further entrenchment of global tech monopolies.
The BRICS initiative underscores a critical tension in the evolving AI landscape: the need to balance innovation with ethical stewardship. As AI systems become more integrated into everyday life, questions about data ownership, consent, and compensation are becoming central. The proposals from BRICS may serve as a foundation for broader international discourse, encouraging the development of more inclusive and fair AI governance frameworks. Whether these ideas gain traction globally remains uncertain, but they highlight the rising influence of non-Western voices in shaping the digital future.