Brazil is poised to become the epicenter of the next technological megacycle, marking a significant evolution in the region’s tech landscape since 2012. This transformation is characterized by substantial legislative reforms, a surge in tech innovation, and a remarkable influx of global investments. As the world witnesses a shift from software-centric advancements to a focus on data, which serves as the lifeblood for training artificial intelligence (AI), Brazil’s ecosystem is at the forefront of this paradigm shift.
The confluence of Big Tech, finance, and government has given rise to a new data economy, where data is hailed as the “oil” fueling AI. Brazil has played a pivotal role, echoing the data privacy initiatives of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) established by the EU in 2016. Brazil’s commitment to data privacy rights, coupled with significant investments in data infrastructure and regulations, empowers citizens to leverage their personal data effectively.
While significant AI investments flow from tech giants like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, a paradigm shift is underway. The current free access to collective personal data, a cornerstone of AI development, is likely to diminish by the late 2020s. This impending change poses challenges for various entities, from Big Tech to biotech, healthcare innovators, banks, and marketing agencies. However, it also paves the way for a revolutionary data-sharing system that decentralizes ownership and control, fostering new models for startup innovation. This transformative shift signals the end of unrestricted use of personal data and propels us into the next megacycle, where data ownership becomes a core principle.