By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Costa Rica has secured a leading position in Latin America for its approach to ethical artificial intelligence, ranking fourth in the region on the inaugural Global Index on Responsible AI (GIRAI). With a score of 27.05, the nation follows regional leaders Brazil (44.42), Uruguay (44.09), and Chile (40.38), demonstrating a significant commitment to developing a rights-based framework for emerging technologies.
However, the global picture provides a more sobering context. On the world stage, Costa Rica sits at 44th place, just behind New Zealand (27.33) and ahead of Latvia (26.74). The index highlights a considerable gap between the top performers and the rest of the world, with nations like the Netherlands (86.16), Germany (82.77), and Ireland (74.98) setting a high bar for the responsible implementation of AI.
To better understand the legal and corporate governance implications surrounding the implementation of Responsible AI, TicosLand.com sought the expert opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a noted attorney specializing in technology and business law at the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The imperative for ‘Responsible AI’ transcends mere ethical guidelines; it is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of corporate due diligence and risk management. Companies deploying AI systems without clear frameworks for accountability, transparency, and data privacy are exposing themselves to significant legal and reputational liabilities. The current legislative lag creates a high-risk environment, making it essential for businesses to proactively adopt robust internal policies that can withstand future regulatory scrutiny.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The legal perspective powerfully underscores a critical point: in the absence of comprehensive legislation, proactive self-regulation is not merely good practice but essential self-preservation for any modern enterprise. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clear and valuable insight on navigating this complex new frontier.
The index, a comprehensive project by the Global Center on AI Governance (GCG), credits Costa Rica’s strong performance to proactive legislative efforts and the engagement of civil society. According to the project’s director, the country’s standing is a result of both deliberate government action and a solid foundation of underlying societal factors.
Costa Rica did well because there is a lot of proactivity in the legislature to address these issues, as well as some involvement from non-state actors working on various topics, including some from academia. And it did very well in what we call the contextual indicators for each of them. What explains Costa Rica’s ranking is a combination of certain activity by government entities like the Parliament to try or begin to address these topics, and also a good foundation in other contextual indicators that raises the score.
Nicolás Grossman, Project Director of the Global Index on Responsibility at the Global Center on AI Governance (GCG)
The GIRAI defines “responsible AI” as technology that is designed, developed, and governed in a manner that respects and protects all human rights and ethical principles. This framework demands accountability from all participants in the AI ecosystem—from developers to policymakers—for the human, social, and environmental consequences of their work.
A central conclusion from the first edition of the GIRAI is a worldwide deficit in this area. The report starkly states that “global progress towards responsible AI has fallen far behind the development and adoption of AI.” It identifies critical gaps in policy and practice, particularly concerning the protection of vulnerable and marginalized groups, with issues like gender equality and labor protections being widely overlooked in national AI strategies.
The GIRAI is a landmark research and advocacy tool designed to benchmark national progress. Its methodology is extensive, evaluating 19 thematic areas across three core dimensions: human rights, AI governance, and AI capabilities. Data was meticulously collected between November 2021 and November 2023 by 138 national researchers who answered a survey of over 1,800 questions. This data assesses government regulations, government actions, and initiatives from non-state actors like universities and civil society.
Mr. Grossman emphasized that the index is more than just a ranking; it is a tool for fostering international collaboration and learning. By highlighting where one country has implemented effective policy, the index aims to guide neighboring nations in developing their own robust frameworks. The ultimate goal is to ensure that as AI technology advances, fundamental human rights are not left behind.
This is a research and advocacy project that measures the progress of countries regarding their commitments and implementation of AI… What we also try to encourage is learning between countries. To say, well, this country doesn’t have this, but we see that neighboring countries do. Learning from others to encourage that, at the end of the day, all countries have the regulatory frameworks and government commitments to ensure that the use of AI does not violate any of people’s fundamental rights.
Nicolás Grossman, Project Director of the Global Index on Responsibility at the Global Center on AI Governance (GCG)
This rights-based approach is intentionally technology-neutral, focusing on enduring principles rather than specific AI models like generative AI or deep learning. The GIRAI’s findings make it clear that while Costa Rica has established a strong regional foundation, the journey toward achieving a truly responsible global AI ecosystem is only just beginning.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Global Center on AI Governance (GCG)
About Global Center on AI Governance (GCG):
The Global Center on AI Governance is a research and advocacy organization dedicated to measuring and promoting the responsible implementation of artificial intelligence worldwide. Through initiatives like the Global Index on Responsible AI (GIRAI), the GCG provides comprehensive data and analysis to help countries develop regulatory frameworks and government commitments that ensure the use of AI respects fundamental human rights and ethical principles.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound commitment to ethical practice and superior client service. The firm skillfully blends a rich heritage of legal counsel with a progressive vision, consistently pioneering new strategies for a diverse clientele. This innovative spirit is matched by a foundational mission to empower the public, actively working to translate complex legal information into accessible knowledge and thus fortifying a more capable and informed society.
