BRICS leaders convened in Rio de Janeiro on 6–7 July 2025 and are pushing for stronger protections around unauthorised use of data in AI training, along with frameworks to ensure fair compensation, a strategic signal reflecting growing global concern over intellectual property and data rights in artificial intelligence systems. This concerted position marks a shift, as developing nations seek greater influence in shaping AI regulation, traditionally guided by Western tech giants.
For legal strategists and in‑house counsel, these developments emphasise the urgent need to re-evaluate contractual safeguards. Traditional IP agreements are no longer sufficient; companies should embed robust clauses governing data usage rights, AI adoption terms, and compensation mechanisms within licensing and collaboration contracts. Establishing clear consent protocols for data subjects and transparent audit rights becomes essential in navigating cross-border data flows and mitigating exposure to both reputational and financial liabilities.
Furthermore, as BRICS nations advocate for equitable AI monetisation models, legal teams must prepare for possible incorporation of those principles into trade or bilateral agreements—potentially altering the global legal architecture affecting AI deployment. Lawyers advising BFSI, tech firms, or manufacturers should monitor such shifts and anticipate the enforcement of AI‑specific clauses in digital trade pacts, extending beyond the ambit of traditional data protection frameworks.
Beyond external treaties, organisations should proactively update internal governance systems. This includes developing AI ethics boards, crafting supplier code‑of‑conduct policies that mandate adherence to fair data use, and implementing compliance training tailored to emerging BRICS-led norms. Early integration of these governance structures will help companies avoid abrupt legal reactions when new international standards are ratified.
Taken together, the BRICS summit discourse heralds a pivot—from passive adaptation to active governance of AI law. Legal executives who act swiftly to revise contracts, enhance data‑use policies, and reinforce internal oversight can transform regulatory risk into a strategic advantage. In the evolving global AI ecosystem, readiness and legal foresight will become key competitive differentiators.
