New AI bills being discussed in Latin America's congresses

Several bills to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) are on the table in Latin America's legislative bodies as part of the region's commitment to promote the technology and ensure ethical use.

Recently, the legislative assemblies of Ecuador and Costa Rica received new proposals on AI, the second such bill to be discussed in Ecuador and the third in Costa Rica.

In Argentina, where the lower chamber of congress held its first hearing on a series of legislative initiatives on AI, some 18 bills have been presented on the topic.

Argentina, Ecuador and Costa Rica are among 17 countries that signed a commitment to governance, building ecosystems and education in AI last week in Cartagena, Colombia.

Meanwhile, there are also are bills on regulating the technology in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Mexico and Uruguay, at different stages of the parliamentary process.

COSTA RICA

The Costa Rican bill was presented by lawmaker Johana Obando of the progressive liberal party (PLP).

The proposal establishes "primary impact areas" subject to evaluation and authorization by the State. These include: the use of personal data, healthcare systems or services, research for medical purposes or drug development, access to the labor market, education, critical infrastructure, public services, police, border control, the judicial system, the electoral system, AI in mass-use services, products for minors, and the use of content under copyright and related rights.

It also takes into account user entitlements such as the right to prior information about their interactions with AI systems, privacy, human determination and participation in decisions made by AI systems, and the right not to suffer discrimination and abuse, among others.

The measures prohibit the development, use and availability of AI systems and models for the exploitation of vulnerable groups or individuals; manipulation of human behavior; generation, use or distribution of images without prior express authorization; and use of copyrighted material.

ECUADOR

In Ecuador, meanwhile, the new bill focuses not so much on restrictions for the technology but on promoting AI development.

The initiative, presented by lawmaker Karina Subia Dávalos in late July aims to promote access to education and digital literacy for the use of AI in the country's educational centers, encourage investment in AI research and strengthen productive sectors with the adoption of AI.

It proposes the creation of a national plan for the digital transformation of Ecuador and actions that promote investments in the technological sector, especially with regard to the construction of big datacenters that allow large-scale storage and processing.

Regarding the risks associated with AI, the bill only mentions that high-risk AI projects must first go through a regulatory sandbox environment.

The bill also reforms the data law to include risks associated with artificial intelligence.