Brazilian Senate to Debate AI Impact and Update National AI Strategy in November Hearing

The Brazilian Federal Senate’s Comissão de Ciência e Tecnologia (CCT) will hold a significant public hearing on November 8 at 9:30 AM to discuss the evolving impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in Brazil and the urgent need to update the Brazilian Strategy for Artificial Intelligence (Ebia). This initiative, spearheaded by Senator Marcos Pontes from São Paulo, underscores the growing importance of proactive governmental measures to address AI’s role in Brazil’s economic and social development.

Presided over by Senator Flávio Arns from Paraná, the hearing aims to critically analyze the current AI strategy and explore updates as a key priority of the CCT’s 2025 work agenda. Senator Pontes emphasizes that the rapid evolution of AI affects multiple sectors worldwide, influencing productivity, job creation, and inflation, thus demanding thoughtful legislative and societal responses. The importance of public engagement is further highlighted by the hearing’s interactive format, permitting citizens to participate live via questions and comments through phone and an online portal, fostering collaboration between society and lawmakers. Attendees will also receive certificates that can count toward academic credits.

This Senate event comes against the backdrop of wider appreciation for AI’s parallels to human intelligence. Experts note the complexity and cooperative nature of both human brains and AI systems, with evolutionary cooperation driving increasing complexity and efficiency in both biological and technological domains. This conceptual understanding reinforces the significance of strategic governance in AI’s development to maximize benefits and mitigate potential risks.

Importantly, the Brazilian Senate has already approved initial AI regulation, and it awaits further discussion in the Chamber of Deputies. This upcoming hearing represents a critical step in refining national AI policies to ensure Brazil remains aligned with global technological trends while addressing societal implications.

Through this hearing, Brazil is demonstrating its commitment to integrating informed public discourse into shaping AI’s future role, aligning regulatory frameworks with technological advances and societal needs. The engagement reflects a forward-looking approach to blending science, technology, and democratic governance.