Photo: screengrab from the official website of Brasil 247

Brasil 247 - Brazil's federal government plans to invest $4.2 billion in artificial intelligence (AI) projects over the coming years, according to Esther Dweck, Minister of Management and Innovation in Public Services. The announcement was made during the Painel Telebrasil conference in Brasília, which brings together government and private sector leaders to discuss technology and innovation.

Dweck said the policy aims to promote an AI strategy that is "inclusive, sovereign, ethical, and people-centered." A key component will be the creation of a National Data Infrastructure (IND), designed to strengthen digital sovereignty while maintaining cooperation with private companies.

"Digital transformation has become the foundation of everything we are doing, especially with the arrival of artificial intelligence and all its transformative potential. It can expand freedoms and human capabilities, but also carries the risk of widening inequalities and existing global asymmetries," Dweck said.

The minister stressed that digital sovereignty does not mean technological isolation. She noted that the government is moving forward with a Sovereign Cloud strategy in partnership with state-owned IT firms Serpro and Dataprev. Under this model, equipment is procured from private companies, but hosting is carried out in Brazilian data centers to ensure sensitive data remains under national control.

According to Dweck, the approach will guarantee operational sovereignty and the protection of strategic data, while still allowing innovation and collaboration with the private sector.

The opening of the event was also attended by Communications Minister Frederico de Siqueira Filho, Anatel president Carlos Baigorri, Senate First Vice President Eduardo Gomes, Federal Deputy Aguinaldo Ribeiro, as well as current and former Telebrasil presidents Alberto Griselli and Christian Gebara.

Participants emphasized the essential role of connectivity in Brazil's development, highlighting state investments that have boosted sectors such as agribusiness and industry.

Communications Minister Siqueira underscored telecommunications as a strategic driver of national growth and digital inclusion.

"The sector has always been responsible for bringing technology and innovation to Brazil, and today its relevance goes far beyond the economy. Telecommunications are essential for the exercise of full citizenship, enabling millions of Brazilians to access public services, job opportunities, training, education, and healthcare," he said.

（Reported by Brasil 247 on September 2, 2025）