Senator Launches AI Workshops for Mexican Legislators

Senator Rolando Zapata, President of the Commission for Analysis, Follow-up, and Evaluation on the Application and Development of AI in Mexico, launched a series of specialized workshops on AI for legislators and advisors of the Senate of the Republic. This program seeks to position Mexico at the forefront in the regulation of this technology.

"This training will allow legislators to learn about international experiences, review regulatory strategies, and understand how to ensure ethical and safe use of AI in our country. Mexico must lead the debate and not limit itself to being a spectator of this technological revolution," says Zapata.

The rapid expansion of AI and its impact on key sectors such as security, cybersecurity, and human rights has generated the need for effective regulation to protect citizens and ensure ethical use of these technologies. Zapata seeks to fill the regulatory gaps surrounding AI and help Mexico catch up with countries such as the United States, China, and members of the European Union, reports Dossier de Prensa.

The courses aim to help legislators to acquire the necessary knowledge about the impact of AI in various areas, such as cybersecurity, electoral processes, and the protection of human rights. These actions could help prepare the country for the challenges generated by AI, such its potential misuse by organized crime.

The series of workshops, entitled Introduction to Artificial Intelligence: A View from a Regulatory Perspective, will begin on Feb. 14 and will be held in virtual mode. Participants, including legislators and Senate advisors, will have the opportunity to interact with high-level experts who will share their knowledge on the risks and applications of AI. Upon completion of the workshops, participants will receive a certificate of participation issued by Siglo XXI: Derecho y Tecnología.

One of the key issues to be addressed during the sessions will be the impact of AI on national security and cybersecurity. The integration of AI in data protection systems and its influence on organized crime poses new challenges for public policies in Mexico. In addition, the use of AI in electoral processes will be evaluated, taking into account its rise and the potential of technology to influence public opinion through disinformation and the risks that this implies for democracy.

The workshop aims to provide legislators with the necessary tools to develop law proposals that are not only aligned with international best practices, but also respond to Mexico’s specific challenges. Key players such as the National Chamber of the Electronics, Telecommunications and Information Technology Industry (CANIETI), and Microsoft will participate in the initiative, reports Zapata.

Zapata says that this cycle of workshops is crucial to modernize the legal framework for AI in Mexico, allowing the Senate to play a key role in creating effective regulation. He urges  legislators to join this effort, stressing that AI is not just a technological trend, but a revolution that will have a significant impact on the country's public and private life in the coming years.