Regional Ministers Discuss AI Geopolitics and Digital Divide in Montevideo

Officials, telecommunications executives, and specialists convened in Montevideo for a Ministerial Meeting organized by CERTAL to address the geopolitics of Artificial Intelligence (AI), regional integration, and the digital divide. Uruguay’s Secretary of the Presidency, Alejandro Sánchez, emphasized the need for coordinated regional policies to prevent large tech companies from imposing conditions, asserting that data belongs to citizens. He highlighted Uruguay’s role as a hub for foreign investment, citing Google’s upcoming data center in Canelones. Spanish Secretary of State for Telecommunications Antonio Hernando warned that unregulated AI could become a nightmare, urging strategic alliances for digital sovereignty and protection against disinformation. Meanwhile, Juan Martín Ozores from Argentina’s ENaCom discussed regulatory changes under the Milei administration, including the repeal of price controls on telecommunications services. The event featured panels with major industry players like Claro, Tigo, and Antel, focusing on updating regulatory frameworks, enhancing connectivity through 5G and fiber optics, and establishing ethical AI guidelines recommended by UNESCO. The discussions underscored the tension between technological innovation, state regulation, and the necessity of cross-border cooperation in Latin America.