BRICS Leaders Call For Data Protection Against Unauthorised AI Use

Leaders from the BRICS coalition of developing countries are set to advocate for safeguards against unauthorised AI usage to prevent excessive data gathering and to establish systems for fair compensation, as outlined in a draft statement seen by Reuters.

Leading tech companies, predominantly located in wealthier nations, have pushed back against demands to pay copyright fees for content used in training AI systems.

On July 6, the heads of the 11 largest emerging economies ratified the Joint Declaration of the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India views AI as a tool to augment human values and abilities, emphasising that both concerns and the promotion of innovation in AI governance should be prioritised equally. He stressed the importance of collective efforts in developing Responsible AI.

He argued that in the 21st century, humanity's prosperity and progress are increasingly reliant on technology, particularly artificial intelligence. While AI offers significant potential to transform daily life, it also raises important concerns related to risks, ethics, and bias. “We see AI as a medium to enhance human values and capabilities,” the Prime Minister said. 

Modi also invited the BRICS partners to the "AI Impact Summit" that India will host next year.

For the first time, AI governance is a key focus in the BRICS agenda, highlighting a Global South perspective on this technology. 

In their joint declaration, the countries recognise that AI offers a unique opportunity for progress. Still, effective global governance is crucial for addressing risks and meeting the needs of all countries, particularly in the Global South.

"A collective global effort is needed to establish AI governance that upholds our shared values, addresses risks, builds trust, and ensures broad and inclusive international collaboration and access,” the countries said in a joint statement.