The Shaping of AI Policies in Latin America: A Study of International Influence and Local Realities

Several Latin American countries are investing in developing artificial intelligence (AI) frameworks or strategies. Besides the widespread mention of ethical guidelines, one can identify the main regulatory paths that this region has taken about AI Governance. The chapter describes the AI public policies of the region’s countries as well as the internal and external stakeholders involved. It uses a qualitative methodology to assess AI policies and strategies in Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Costa Rica and Brazil, describing the regulatory influence of international organizations in the development of their national policies. After this description, the chapter presents a debate about the limitations and challenges about the primary influence of external parties in their national strategies. Drawing on a risk regulation framework that emphasizes monitoring, standard-setting, and behavior modification, the chapter advocates a shift from traditional multistakeholderism to networked governance. This approach promotes transparency, trust, and genuine local engagement, ensuring that AI policies foster both technological innovation and social justice in Latin America. It concludes that the countries gave little space to assess social and cultural challenges within their national AI strategies due to the influence of international values diminishing their own national values and cultural approaches.