BRICS Prosecutors Endorse Declaration on Artificial Intelligence in Combating Crime
Attorneys General seek to strengthen cooperation for the ethical and safe use of new technologies
By Rafaela Ferreira, with information from the Office of the Attorney General
The heads of the Public Prosecutors’ Offices from nine BRICS countries have approved a declaration promoting the use of new technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) in law enforcement. The document underscores the role of these tools in bringing greater speed and efficiency to investigations and judicial proceedings. The aim is to dismantle criminal networks that are increasingly turning to advanced technology for illegal activities worldwide.
The declaration was adopted at the 7th Meeting of the Attorneys General of the BRICS Countries last week, with the participation of Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Iran, Russia, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia.
International Cooperation
The document also calls on BRICS countries to ensure the safe development and use of artificial intelligence technologies, in line with international law and international human rights obligations. It reaffirms a shared commitment to advancing justice and protecting fundamental rights, consistent with due process as defined by national laws.
The declaration sets out seven commitments aimed at fostering the development of new technologies. Among them is support for the regulation of AI through the creation or improvement of national legislation and international mechanisms that uphold core legal principles. It also stresses the need to expand cooperation to narrow gaps related to AI and other digital inequalities in the legal field, particularly in judicial and prosecutorial processes.
The guidelines highlight the promotion of the rule of law, encouraging the development of legal frameworks at both the national and international levels for the application of AI. They also underscore the importance of upholding ethical standards in the use of technology—ensuring respect for human dignity, preventing bias and discrimination, combating misinformation and disinformation, and establishing appropriate, consensual oversight mechanisms.
Finally, the declaration emphasizes investment in capacity-building, with training for prosecutors and legal professionals to understand, evaluate, and responsibly apply AI tools in their work. It further calls for robust accountability measures in the use of AI within judicial and prosecutorial processes, ensuring that liability mechanisms cover both developers and users, in accordance with national laws.
Translation : Michel Emmanuel Félix François (POET/UFC)
Proofreading : Tadeu Azevedo (POET/UFC)