🕒 Last updated on July 8, 2025

BRICS Nations Speak Out on AI Concerns

Leaders from the BRICS group of countries have come together to talk about a growing concern—how artificial intelligence (AI) is using data without permission. The group includes countries from different parts of the world like Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and several others recently added. They met in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for a two-day summit. On Sunday, a major part of their meeting focused on AI and data protection.

During the meeting, these leaders said they want strong rules to stop the misuse of data by AI systems. They are especially worried about companies using people’s data without asking. These systems often collect large amounts of data from online sources to “train” themselves, sometimes using copyrighted material without paying for it.

Big tech companies, mostly based in richer countries, have so far avoided paying for using such data. BRICS leaders now say it is unfair. They want systems in place so that when someone’s data or creative work is used to train AI, they are paid fairly. They believe that the world needs clear rules so that no country or person is taken advantage of by fast-growing AI technologies.

A Summit Marked by Big Issues

Apart from AI, BRICS leaders also discussed several other global problems. They expressed concern over violent conflicts happening in places like Gaza and Iran. The group strongly condemned attacks and said such violence must stop. They also talked about the need to reform global institutions, which they feel do not treat developing countries fairly.

Many leaders at the summit pointed out that older groups like the G7 and G20 are not working well anymore. These groups include some of the richest nations, but they are often stuck due to disagreements among their members. BRICS, on the other hand, is trying to present itself as a new space where countries can talk and work together peacefully.

One leader compared the BRICS group to the Non-Aligned Movement from the Cold War era. Back then, countries that didn’t want to take sides between the U.S. and the Soviet Union formed their own group. Today, BRICS is trying to do something similar—build a space where countries can work together without being controlled by more powerful nations.

Currently, BRICS countries represent more than half the people in the world and around 40% of the world’s economy. This gives the group a strong voice on global matters, including AI, trade, and security.

Challenges and New Voices in BRICS

BRICS started back in 2009 with only five countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Over the years, the group has grown. Last year, new members like Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates joined. This year’s summit in Brazil was the first to include Indonesia’s leader.

Despite the group’s growth, some experts say BRICS still faces challenges. With so many different countries, including some that are regional rivals, it can be hard to agree on everything. Each country has its own interests, and sometimes those do not match.

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Also, not all leaders were able to attend in person.  Still, many important heads of state did attend, and the discussions went ahead as planned. They gathered at the Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro, where talks focused on shaping the future of diplomacy and cooperation.

So far, more than 30 other countries have shown interest in joining BRICS or partnering with the group. This shows that many nations are looking for new ways to work together, especially in a world full of conflict and division.

By speaking up about AI and data protection, BRICS has made it clear they want a fairer digital future—where data isn’t taken without asking, and everyone’s work is respected.