BRICS Nations Map an AI Future on a Parallel Digital Track
How the BRICS Bloc Is Cultivating Sovereign Digital Spheres to Unlock the Promise of Homegrown Artificial Intelligence Aligned with Cultural Values across Emerging Economies.
As Russia prepares to take over leadership of the BRICS alliance in 2024, the group of emerging global powers is charting an alternative course for artificial intelligence. This new AI landscape they envision – powered by a parallel digital ecosystem separate from the Western-dominated one – promises to be shaped by different values and priorities.
Plans are already underway for the BRICS nations to collaborate on building their own internet infrastructure that better serves their interests. This includes development of the local tech sector, data protection, and upholding more traditional cultural values in the digital world.
A key goal is reducing dependence on American tech giants like Google, Facebook and Amazon that currently enjoy unrivaled influence over global internet traffic and online data. But the implications extend into the red-hot field of artificial intelligence as well.
AI systems rely heavily on access to large data sets to "learn" and improve functionality over time. Tech firms that control vast data flows from billions of users, like Google's search engine and Facebook's social media platform, have an enormous advantage when developing new AI applications. This gives the U.S. an edge thus far in leading the so-called "AI arms race" – but the BRICS bloc aims to change that status quo.
By cultivating local or regional alternatives for online platforms and services, they want more user data to remain within their own jurisdictions rather than flowing to Silicon Valley. In turn, this data could help "teach" sophisticated AI programs designed by domestic researchers and tech startups based on BRICS nations' unique needs and languages. Russia, for one, sees enormous potential in leveraging its prowess in math and science for AI innovations.
The recent AI Journey Conference held in Moscow on November 22-24, 2023, and focused on the advancement of big data and machine learning in BRICS countries, shows that efforts are already moving forward. And in 2024 under its leadership term, Russia plans to put AI cooperation firmly on the BRICS agenda for "detailed discussion," according to President Vladimir Putin. He envisions a technology future where AI safeguards align among member states, ensuring both opportunities and risks are managed responsibly.
I propose a detailed discussion of these issues during the Russian presidency of BRICS next year - Vladimir Putin
Of course, by fragmenting into somewhat insulated digital domains, BRICS nations open themselves to criticism about increased censorship, surveillance and government control over online spaces. However, Putin argues that Western AI models themselves pose threats regarding biases and lack of transparency around users. He highlights search engines "canceling Russian culture" – suppressing alternative viewpoints is not a uniquely authoritarian impulse.
BRICS proponents also say establishing sovereignty over domestic internet infrastructure is about empowerment, not isolation. Every nation deserves independence in guiding its own digital transformation, aligning innovations with national values and traditions.
In fact, the BRICS' multipolar approach envisions extensive ongoing collaboration among its members and beyond. The new China-BRICS innovation hub welcomes participation from developing countries globally, not just within the core group. And Russia's leadership next year will seek to expand discussions on AI ethics and governance worldwide.
So while lines are clearly being drawn to reduce reliance on Western systems, the BRICS agenda should not be mistaken for a technology Cold War. Their parallel digital track aims not to conquer cyberspace for one dominant ideology or culture, but to make space for many models aligned with national identities across the Global South.
2024 will prove a fundamental year to watch as this vision takes shape under Moscow's stewardship. Russia and its BRICS partners are determined to have a greater hand both in managing their digital domains and steering the trajectory of artificial intelligence. This promises a more diverse, decentralized landscape for the age of AI – one where input and influence flows from many sides.