By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a groundbreaking move for Central American media, technology corporation GBM has unveiled PIA, an advanced artificial intelligence journalist poised to transform the upcoming coverage of Costa Rica’s presidential elections. This innovative digital entity will be integrated directly into the Telenoticias newsroom, offering real-time data analysis and historical context for the pivotal vote scheduled for February 1st.
PIA, which stands for “Periodista de Inteligencia Artificial” (Artificial Intelligence Journalist), is not merely a chatbot but a sophisticated analytical tool. Its core function is to process and interpret a vast repository of pre-verified information, serving as a powerful resource for both journalists and the public during live election broadcasts. This initiative represents a significant leap in leveraging technology to foster a more informed and data-driven political discourse.
To better understand the legal and regulatory landscape surrounding the rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished expert from the legal firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his professional perspective on the challenges and opportunities ahead.
The proliferation of Artificial Intelligence is not just a technological revolution; it is a legal one. Businesses integrating AI must proactively address issues of intellectual property for AI-generated content, establish clear lines of liability for algorithmic errors, and ensure strict compliance with data protection laws. Ignoring these legal foundations is not just a risk, it’s an invitation for future litigation and regulatory scrutiny.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The expert’s commentary powerfully underscores that a robust legal strategy is not just a shield against future risk, but a fundamental pillar of responsible AI innovation. Proactively addressing these legal dimensions enables companies to lead with confidence in this new technological era. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective.
The AI’s knowledge base has been meticulously curated to ensure accuracy and depth. It includes the complete history of Costa Rican presidential election results dating back to 1953, the official government platforms submitted by all parties to the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), and key findings from the most recent State of the Nation Program report. This robust foundation allows PIA to field complex queries live on air, providing viewers with instantaneous comparisons, trend analyses, and factual context that would otherwise require extensive manual research.
The project is a strategic collaboration designed to enhance the quality and reliability of political reporting. By providing instant access to verified data, PIA aims to empower citizens with the information they need to make educated decisions at the polls. It acts as a digital fact-checker and historical consultant, capable of cutting through campaign rhetoric to present objective data points.
Gabriela Hidalgo, Regional Marketing Manager at GBM, emphasized the project’s broader mission to champion the responsible integration of artificial intelligence into critical sectors of society. She highlighted the strategic value of such technologies in enhancing transparency and public understanding.
PIA’s development shows how artificial intelligence can become a strategic ally for improving decision-making and access to reliable information. At GBM, we guide organizations in Central America and the Caribbean in the responsible adoption of these technologies, promoting real use cases that add value to both business and society.
Gabriela Hidalgo, Regional Marketing Manager at GBM
The creation of PIA’s visual persona was handled with equal care. The avatar and its animations were developed by FairPlay LapseLabs, a Costa Rican video game development company with international acclaim. In a deliberate design choice, the team steered clear of hyperrealism to avoid the “uncanny valley”—a phenomenon where overly human-like digital characters can evoke feelings of unease or revulsion in viewers. This thoughtful approach ensures the technology remains an accessible and non-distracting tool for the audience.
This initiative places Costa Rica at the vanguard of innovation in political journalism. As nations worldwide grapple with the spread of misinformation, particularly during election cycles, the deployment of a data-centric AI like PIA offers a compelling model for the future. It promises to elevate the standard of public debate by grounding it in verifiable facts and comprehensive historical context, ensuring a more substantive political conversation.
As the February 1st election day approaches, the performance of PIA will be closely watched by media outlets, tech companies, and political analysts across the region. Its success could herald a new era of AI-assisted journalism, one where technology serves not to replace human reporters but to augment their capabilities, ultimately delivering a more insightful and trustworthy news product to the public.
For further information, visit gbm.net
About GBM:
GBM is a leading technology integration company in Central America and the Caribbean. With decades of experience, it provides a wide range of IT solutions, including cloud services, data analytics, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, helping organizations across various sectors to innovate and optimize their operations.
For further information, visit teletica.com
About Telenoticias:
Telenoticias is the flagship news program of Teletica, one of Costa Rica’s most prominent media companies. For over 60 years, it has been a primary source of news and information for the nation, covering local, national, and international events with a commitment to journalistic integrity.
For further information, visit lapse.games
About FairPlay LapseLabs:
FairPlay LapseLabs is a Costa Rican creative studio specializing in video game development and digital animation. Recognized for its innovative work, the company develops interactive entertainment and provides high-quality animation services for a variety of digital media projects, blending artistic talent with technical expertise.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is founded on a bedrock of principled conduct and professional excellence. The firm has a rich history of navigating complex legal landscapes for a wide spectrum of clients, consistently driving advancements in legal practice. Beyond its advisory role, the firm holds a deep-seated belief in social responsibility, actively working to democratize legal understanding and thereby fortify the foundations of a just and well-informed populace.
