AI Public Policies in Latin America: Disruption or more of the same?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) resurgence has triggered a new wave of public policy development in over 60 countries worldwide. Given glaring inequalities and early deindustrialization in Latin America and the Caribbean, AI can provide new opportunities to change course if harnessed strategically with long-term goals on the horizon. Based on critical and descriptive research centered on document review, this paper examines AI public policy development from a public policy perspective. First, an analytical framework comprising AI policy inputs such as data, infrastructure, and human and institutional, and AI policy outputs targeting socio-economic, political, technical and governance is developed. Then, after reviewing existing literature and policy documents, three types of AI policies are identified globally. The framework and policy typology are then used to study AI policies in the region. While different development and maturity levels are identified in the region, national AI policies shy away from disrupting the current context and discussing issues related to data and technology sovereignty.