In March 2024, Brazilian senator Marcos Pontes, a former astronaut, traveled to Washington, D. C. , to discuss Brazil's new draft bill aimed at regulating artificial intelligence (AI). This bill proposed stringent restrictions on AI technology in Brazil, including oversight authorities and rights protections, sparking concerns about potential stifling of innovation and investment. Pontes, who had previously worked with NASA and was generally optimistic about major U. S. tech companies, argued against overregulation and expressed that the bill seemed fear-based. Accompanied by fellow senator Laércio Oliveira, the two met with U. S. officials and tech executives from companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft to gather feedback on the legislation. Three months later, Pontes introduced multiple amendments to the bill, resulting in delays and calls for more public debate. Critics argued that representatives from major tech firms had too much influence during the discussions. Eventually, a weakened version of the bill passed the Brazilian Senate in December 2024. This situation is part of a broader global struggle over the role of AI in society. In various regions, especially the West, large tech firms have lobbied aggressively against strict regulatory proposals, aiming instead for self-regulation.

The EU's 2024 AI Act is seen as a leading example of strict regulation while efforts in the U. S. and Canada are less defined. Governments in developing countries like India and South Africa focus on attracting investment from these tech giants, fostering an environment with minimal regulatory frameworks. In South Africa, AI policy discussions are in the early stages, but significant tech investment is expected to drive growth. India's government is primarily focused on making the nation an AI investment hub, with no serious discussions about regulation currently taking place. These regions prioritize technological advancement over strict laws, aiming to leverage opportunities presented by large tech firms. Brazil's AI bill is viewed as part of a broader push for AI regulation worldwide, with calls for international coordination to create consistent rules governing powerful AI technologies. Despite Pontes's concerns about the bill's strictness post-trip to the U. S. , the legislation's passage reflects ongoing debates about the balance between fostering innovation and ensuring responsible AI governance. As these discussions evolve, the influence of major tech companies in shaping policy remains a complex and challenging issue.