Understanding of AI leads to increased concerns and support for regulation in Latin America, new research reveals

Research shows that 55% of people in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico support AI regulation; this rises to 65% when people say they have a good understanding of AI 

Artificial intelligence regulation has the support of the majority (55%) of citizens in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico, according to a new report. "DemocracIA: Perceptions of AI and democracy in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico," published by Luminate based on Ipsos-commissioned data, found that among people who have a good understanding of artificial intelligence, support for regulation rises to 65% on average, with Mexico standing out at 72%, followed by Colombia (67%), Brazil (64%), and Argentina (56%).

Understanding AI also leads to an increased perception of AI’s risks. While 40% of people surveyed in Latin America believe that AI can impact election integrity, this number rises to 47% among those with a good understanding of this tool. 

In the most unequal region in the world, 37% of respondents believe that AI can deepen inequalities in their countries. This proportion rises to 44% among those who know the tool well. Less than a third (28%) of people think their countries are prepared to deal with the challenges and opportunities posed by AI.

"With AI, we have the chance to learn from the mistakes we made with social media platforms, where the consequences of a lack of accountability are being felt across our region; from uncontrolled dissemination of disinformation and hate speech to increased polarisation and surveillance," says Felipe Estefan, Vice President of Luminate for Latin America. 

"Any regulation of artificial intelligence must protect human rights and ensure that this technology is in service of the public interest," added Felipe.

Inequalities influence the way Latin Americans relate to technology

The study reveals that social inequalities affect how citizens in Latin America relate to AI and perceive its risks. Groups who claim to have the highest awareness of AI are men (62%), people with high income (69%), and those with high education levels (67%), who also express the most comfort with adopting the technology (52%, 57%, 55%, respectively). They are also the group who most identify threats to elections and inequality.

"This reveals an opportunity to raise awareness and to mobilise people to ensure that AI is developed and deployed in a way that strengthens the promotion of human rights and social justice," says Felipe.

The report also reveals a strong rejection of AI’s involvement in public services. In general, people in the region prefer human judgment and sensitivity in decision-making that directly affects people's lives: 54% opposes AI decision-making in courts, 51% are against AI drafting new laws and regulations, and 50% reject the use of AI to determine eligibility for social benefits.

Additional findings

• Generation Z registers good knowledge and optimism about AI. However, they also oppose AI use in decision-making that directly affects people’s lives. 28% are in favor of AI decision-making in courts, 32% of artificial intelligence drafting new laws and regulations, and 34% support AI determining eligibility for social benefits
• Most Latin Americans (55%) are against AI-based governmental surveillance of what people say online
• Half (50%) oppose use of AI to target political messaging to voters
• 43% believe that online political content produced by AI can increase polarisation
• 34% are aware that of AI-driven news production on social media platforms, and 57% oppose it
• 38% are aware of AI-driven news curation on social media platforms, and 51% oppose it