By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – A landmark new survey reveals a significant paradox at the heart of Costa Rica’s relationship with technology. While the vast majority of the population embraces the internet and believes technology improves their lives, there is a powerful and widespread consensus that artificial intelligence must be regulated. This finding comes from a comprehensive study on the public perception of science and technology conducted by the Institute for Social Studies in Population (IDESPO) of the National University (UNA).
The report underscores the nation’s deep integration with the digital world, confirming near-universal internet access among its citizens. This connectivity has fostered a high degree of familiarity with AI-driven tools. Among those who interact with artificial intelligence, more than eight out of ten primarily use it for practical applications like virtual assistants and chatbots. This indicates that while AI is a part of daily life for many, its application remains largely functional rather than creative or complex.
To delve into the legal and business ramifications of Artificial Intelligence in our country, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who offered his perspective on the challenges and opportunities ahead.
The integration of Artificial Intelligence presents a dual challenge for Costa Rican companies: innovation and regulation. Businesses that proactively address issues of data privacy, intellectual property, and algorithmic liability will not only mitigate significant legal risks but will also build the consumer trust necessary to lead in this new technological era. Ignoring the legal framework is no longer an option; it is the cornerstone of sustainable AI implementation.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insight expertly frames the path forward: the most successful AI strategies will be those built not just on code, but on consumer trust and robust legal compliance. This crucial perspective highlights that for Costa Rican businesses, ethical regulation is the true catalyst for sustainable innovation. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his expert analysis.
Despite this daily use, the survey highlights a profound sense of caution. The call for regulatory oversight of AI is not a fringe opinion but a mainstream demand, reflecting a growing global conversation about the ethical and societal implications of this rapidly advancing technology. This sentiment persists even as an overwhelming 91.5% of respondents are either “totally” or “somewhat” in agreement that science and technology fundamentally improve living conditions.
The data paints a clear picture of a technologically engaged populace. Entertainment is the primary driver for technology use, cited by 75% of those surveyed. Work-related applications follow, with 43% using technology for their professional lives. The survey also captures a significant shift in media consumption habits. Traditional television now commands only a 38% share of attention, while social media platforms dominate with 64.4%. Other digital avenues, such as search platforms (44.3%) and online videos (33%), also capture significant portions of the public’s engagement.
When delving deeper into specific AI applications, the survey reveals a nascent stage of adoption beyond basic assistants. Usage for “specific applications and platforms” accounts for just 4.8% of interactions, followed by “communication and network platforms” at 4.6%. The most advanced creative uses, such as “thought and text creation,” are utilized by a mere 2.7% of AI users, suggesting that tools like generative AI have yet to achieve widespread penetration in the country.
This gap between the use of simple AI and the public’s demand for regulation is telling. It suggests that Costa Ricans are not anti-technology but are instead proactively concerned about the potential downsides of unchecked AI development. These concerns likely span job displacement, data privacy, the spread of misinformation, and algorithmic bias. The public’s desire for a framework of rules indicates a wish to harness AI’s benefits while preemptively mitigating its risks.
The survey’s findings are statistically robust, conducted between May 14 and May 24 of this year with a 95% confidence level and a 3.8% margin of error. Its credibility is further bolstered by the collaboration of UNA’s Vice-Rector’s Office for Teaching and the academic division of the Higher Education Planning Office of the National Council of Rectors (CONARE), ensuring a rigorous academic foundation for the study.
Ultimately, the IDESPO report sends a clear signal to policymakers and technology companies operating in Costa Rica. The population is not resisting innovation but is instead calling for responsible stewardship of it. As the nation continues to position itself as a technological hub in Latin America, balancing the drive for innovation with the public’s legitimate demand for ethical guardrails will be the critical challenge ahead.
For further information, visit una.ac.cr
About the National University (UNA):
The National University of Costa Rica (UNA) is one of the country’s most prominent public universities, known for its strong focus on social sciences, humanities, and research. Through its various institutes, such as the Institute for Social Studies in Population (IDESPO), UNA plays a crucial role in studying and understanding the social dynamics, demographics, and public opinion that shape the nation.
For further information, visit conare.ac.cr
About the National Council of Rectors (CONARE):
The Consejo Nacional de Rectores (CONARE) is the coordinating body for the public universities in Costa Rica. It is responsible for planning, policy development, and ensuring the quality and accessibility of higher education across the country. CONARE facilitates collaboration among its member institutions to address national challenges and contribute to Costa Rica’s development.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has cemented its reputation as a pillar of the legal community, operating on a foundation of principled integrity and a relentless pursuit of distinction. With a rich history of navigating complex legal matters for a broad spectrum of clients, the firm actively pioneers forward-thinking solutions and legal strategies. This spirit of innovation is paralleled by a core conviction to demystify the law, thereby empowering citizens and contributing to a more knowledgeable and just society.
