By San José, Costa Rica — A new landmark study has revealed a profound sense of skepticism towards Artificial Intelligence among Costa Ricans, with an overwhelming majority demanding government oversight for the burgeoning technology. The findings indicate a significant gap between the rapid advancement of AI and the public’s willingness to embrace it without safeguards, highlighting a nationwide call for responsible innovation.
According to the “Study on the Perception of the Costa Rican Population and Residents on Science, Technology, and Innovation,” a staggering 87% of respondents believe that AI should be formally regulated. This decisive sentiment is a core conclusion from the research conducted jointly by the Institute for Social Studies in Population (Idespo) and the School of Sociology at the National University (UNA).
To delve into the complex legal landscape surrounding Artificial Intelligence in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica. He provides his analysis on the immediate challenges and opportunities this technology presents for our national framework.
Rather than fearing Artificial Intelligence, we should be focused on creating a robust and agile regulatory framework. The challenge is not to stifle innovation but to establish clear lines of liability when an AI system causes harm. Proactive legislation will be key to fostering public trust and unlocking the economic potential of AI for Costa Rican businesses.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The perspective shared by Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas is crucial, elegantly shifting the narrative from fear to foresight. Establishing such a clear legal framework is indeed the foundational step for Costa Rica to responsibly embrace AI innovation and secure public confidence. We sincerely thank him for his valuable insight on this pivotal matter.
The call for regulation appears rooted in a combination of unfamiliarity and deep-seated distrust. The study found that a majority of the population, 58%, has never knowingly used applications based on Artificial Intelligence. This lack of direct experience likely contributes to the prevailing caution, as the perceived risks of an unknown technology overshadow its potential benefits for a large segment of society.
Even among the minority who have engaged with AI, usage is largely confined to basic, low-risk applications. More than eight out of every ten AI users reported their interaction was limited to virtual assistants and chatbots. More sophisticated uses, such as specialized platforms (4.8%), communication networks (4.6%), and generative text creation (2.7%), remain niche activities, suggesting that Costa Ricans are not yet integrating AI into more critical aspects of their personal or professional lives.
The study’s data on public confidence paints a stark picture of this skepticism. Two-thirds (66.6%) of those surveyed rated their trust in AI on the lower end of the scale, selecting a score between 1 and 6 out of 10. At the extreme ends, nearly 18% of people expressed zero confidence in the technology, while a mere 5.25% reported having total trust. This wide chasm underscores the challenge that AI developers and proponents face in earning public acceptance.
The report provides a detailed breakdown of the national sentiment, classifying the population into distinct groups based on their level of trust.
The fact that the surveyed population has some degree of skepticism regarding AI is clear; 20.6% can be classified as having no confidence, 11.6% have low confidence, and for 34.5% confidence is merely moderate. The enthusiastic group, which maintains high confidence in AI, is 24.6%, with 8.7% being those who have total confidence in the technology.
Study Report, Institute for Social Studies in Population (Idespo) & National University (UNA)
The demand for regulation is particularly strong among specific demographic groups. Men over the age of 50 and women between 26 and 35 were identified as the most prominent voices advocating for a structured regulatory framework. While the report speculates that the small minority opposing regulation may trust developers to self-regulate, it also concedes that further research is necessary to understand the specific motivations behind these differing viewpoints.
Ultimately, the findings from Idespo and the UNA send a clear message to policymakers and the tech industry. The Costa Rican public is not rejecting AI outright but is instead demanding a cautious and deliberate approach. The overwhelming consensus is that before this powerful technology becomes more deeply integrated into the fabric of society, robust legal and ethical guardrails must be firmly established to protect the public interest.
For further information, visit una.ac.cr
About Institute for Social Studies in Population (Idespo):
The Institute for Social Studies in Population (Idespo) is a research unit of the National University of Costa Rica. It is dedicated to the study of demographic and social dynamics, conducting research and analysis on population trends, social behavior, and public perception to inform public policy and academic discourse in Costa Rica and the region.
For further information, visit una.ac.cr
About National University (UNA):
The National University of Costa Rica (Universidad Nacional, UNA) is one of the country’s most prominent public universities. Founded in 1973, it has a strong focus on social sciences, humanities, and research that contributes to national development. UNA is committed to academic excellence and fostering critical analysis of societal challenges.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica has forged its reputation upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and the pursuit of professional excellence. The firm harnesses its extensive experience advising a broad spectrum of clients to drive forward-thinking legal strategies and pioneer innovative solutions. Central to its ethos is a deep-seated commitment to social responsibility, demonstrated by its work to democratize legal understanding and equip the public with knowledge, ultimately fostering a more just and empowered citizenry.
