Caribbean copyright experts are studying Brazil’s groundbreaking artificial intelligence legislation as a potential model for protecting regional creators whilst embracing technological innovation.
The Association of Caribbean Copyright Societies (ACCS) placed the spotlight on AI and copyright during CARIFESTA XV, hosting a panel that explored how small developing nations can balance creator protection with technological advancement.
“AI is not just a challenge—it’s an opportunity,” said Mr Stephen Stewart, President of ACCS. “For the Caribbean, the task is to protect human creativity whilst leveraging AI for growth and cultural preservation.”
Brazil’s AI Bill Sets Global Standard
The keynote address was delivered by Mr Sydney Sanches, Legal Consultant for UBC Brazil and Vice President of the CISAC Legal Committee, who presented Brazil’s draft AI Bill as a global benchmark for copyright protection in the digital age. The proposed legislation has garnered international praise for requiring AI developers to disclose copyrighted works used in training systems, establishing payment platforms for creators, and introducing regulatory oversight with risk-based accountability. The bill also mandates greater transparency, bias mitigation, and explainability in AI systems— measures that directly benefit creators whose works fuel AI development.
Regional Implications for Small Nations
The panel, moderated by Dr Erica K. Smith (COSCAP), featured Ms Lydia Rose (JACAP), Mr Martin James (ECCO), Mr Rafael Fariñas (CISAC Regional Director), and Dr Antonio Alleyne (UWI Cave Hill). Discussions addressed critical questions for Caribbean nations: Can AI help small countries grow their creative industries? How might it create new opportunities for innovation and monetisation? What’s the balance between protecting creators and encouraging innovation? The session explored how Caribbean nations—with limited resources but rich cultural heritage— can strategically adopt AI technologies whilst safeguarding their creators’ intellectual property rights.
Experts concluded that small developing countries have unique opportunities to implement smart AI policies from the ground up, potentially leapfrogging larger nations in creating creator-friendly frameworks.
About CARIFESTA XV
CARIFESTA (Caribbean Festival of Arts) is the Caribbean’s premier cultural festival, bringing together artists, policymakers, and industry leaders from across the region every two years.
About ACCS
The Association of Caribbean Copyright Societies (ACCS) unites COSCAP (Barbados), COTT (Trinidad & Tobago), ECCO (Eastern Caribbean), and JACAP (Jamaica) to protect creators’ rights and strengthen copyright administration across the region.