Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva defended the digital sovereignty of Global South countries and demanded ethical, responsible actions from Big Tech companies during the G7 Summit’s working lunch on Wednesday,

Lula warned that technology could widen inequalities rather than reduce them, while also calling for democratic governance of artificial intelligence at upcoming international forums.

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Speaking on a panel focused on artificial intelligence and child protection online, Lula emphasized that regulation of the digital ecosystem is essential for protecting fundamental rights and that tech companies must participate in building a safe, ethical digital future aligned with public interest. He highlighted Brazil’s instant payment system, Pix, as a reference for how integrated data can promote financial inclusion and digital efficiency. He also noted Brazil’s legislative progress on child protection and urged practical application of international guidelines to combat cybercrime, hate speech, and precarious labor.

Lula cited the Global Digital Compact approved at the UN as progress and said the next critical step for democratic AI governance should occur during the International Telecommunication Union’s Digital Dialogue in Geneva this July.

On a separate note, Lula spoke briefly with U.S. President Donald Trump, appearing together in two official delegation photographs and at a multilateral development meeting, but the anticipated private bilateral working meeting did not take place, according to local media.

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