Lula Urges Brazil's Independence in AI Technology

During a recent public appearance, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) emphasized the need for Brazil to avoid dependency on China and the United States regarding advancements in artificial intelligence. According to Lula, such technological dependence poses significant risks, particularly against the backdrop of global disruptions and heightened commercial disputes between major powers. The president highlighted that Brazil must become independently capable of developing and implementing advanced AI solutions to maintain its competitive edge globally, especially within the digital economy. Additionally, Lula underscored the importance of education investment, a strategy historically prioritized during his tenure, which significantly increased the number of Brazilians with higher education qualifications. For 2023, the government plans to further this initiative, aiming for Brazil to dominate AI with software and platforms in Portuguese. The president's intervention also reaffirmed Brazil's active participation in international discussions on digital economies, defending initiatives such as Pix, which faced criticism from political adversaries.