The BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—are increasingly outspoken about the challenges and opportunities posed by artificial intelligence (AI). They emphasize the urgent need to limit excessive data collection and ensure fair compensation for content used to train AI systems. This reflects their concern over large tech corporations, mostly from wealthier countries, who have largely avoided paying copyright fees for data employed in AI development. AI’s rapid advancement is impacting sectors like healthcare, finance, agriculture, and education worldwide. However, it raises critical issues around data privacy, intellectual property rights, and fair economic benefits. For BRICS countries, these matters are particularly pressing due to their expanding digital economies and large populations that contribute to and are affected by AI technologies. A central point of contention is the ownership and usage rights of data used in AI training. Major tech firms have accessed vast amounts of user-generated and public data without adequately compensating creators, sparking debates over copyright laws and fair remuneration, especially as AI-generated outputs yield substantial profits. BRICS argue that without proper regulations, disparities in data access and benefits will deepen the divide between developed and developing nations. They call for international AI governance frameworks that protect content creators’ rights and give individuals control over their personal information.

These frameworks should include safeguards against excessive or unauthorized data collection that can lead to privacy breaches and misuse. Additionally, the BRICS push for AI transparency and accountability, urging policies that require clear disclosure of data collection, processing, and usage in AI training. They seek mechanisms for individuals to seek redress if harmed or misused. This debate unfolds amid growing geopolitical and economic tensions, with technology serving both as a tool for growth and a sphere of influence struggles. BRICS aim to reshape AI development to respect national sovereignty, support sustainable development, and foster a more inclusive global economy. Beyond advocating data rights and compensation, these countries are also investing in their own AI capabilities to develop localized solutions addressing their unique social and economic challenges. By promoting domestic innovation and legal frameworks aligned with their values, BRICS hope to reduce reliance on foreign technology and strengthen their digital infrastructures. Their demand for fair compensation and ethical data use aligns with broader international calls for corporate responsibility and technology democratization. Collectively, BRICS reinforce that AI’s transformative power should not come at the expense of exploitation, inequality, or individual freedoms. Looking forward, the BRICS discussions on AI governance could shape global policies by encouraging multinational agreements prioritizing fairness, intellectual property respect, and personal data protection in the digital era. Their stance prompts tech giants and policymakers worldwide to reconsider AI’s development, deployment, and regulation. In summary, the BRICS nations lead advocacy for balanced AI governance that limits excessive data collection, ensures fair remuneration to data creators, and safeguards privacy. Their efforts highlight developing countries’ determination to secure a stake in the evolving AI landscape and promote a just, ethical technological future for all.