Venezuela’s Starts AI and Cybersecurity Efforts

By Enrique Cheang, E.C.V. & Asociados

Venezuela’s Ministry of Popular Power for Science and Technology (MINCYT) has outlined a National Plan for Sovereign and Ethical Artificial Intelligence and related cybersecurity initiatives, part of a broader effort to build domestic capacity in digital technologies. 

According to official sources, Venezuela currently has roughly 65 active AI projects focused on priority areas such as education, health and economic development. These projects are framed as tools to reduce reliance on foreign AI platforms and to support public sector and social needs. A draft AI law is reportedly under discussion to establish legal norms for responsible use, and training efforts aim to develop skills from early education through university. 

In cybersecurity, Venezuelan institutions have signaled increased focus on training and digital resilience, emphasizing skills building in areas such as cryptography and digital safety. These efforts form part of the broader Gran Misión Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación agenda that incorporates hundreds of scientific and technological projects. 

Challenges and limitation

Venezuela’s technological ecosystem contends with longstanding infrastructure gaps, limited access to global technology markets due to sanctions, and relatively modest private investment compared to leading technology nations. Independent observers note that while official AI projects are expanding, broader digital transformation depends on connectivity, human capital and integration with global research networks.

Venezuela’s plan reflects a global trend of governments articulating AI strategies. A key global trend in AI policy is an emphasis on ethical principles—including fairness, transparency, accountability and human rights. Multilateral forums and summits such as the AI Safety Summit (UK, 2023) and the AI Seoul Summit (2024) have focused on shared risks and cooperative frameworks, reflecting global concern about the societal impacts of AI.

Across regions, governments are linking AI policy with cybersecurity strategy, recognizing that AI systems both present new vulnerabilities and offer tools for defense (e.g., automated threat detection). Advanced economies are investing in secure compute infrastructure, regulatory frameworks and workforce skills to manage these dual challenges. In contrast, countries with emerging tech ecosystems must balance capacity building with investments in resilience and risk governance.

The scale, emphasis and implementation differ significantly across countries:

-United Arab Emirates (UAE): One of the earliest adopters, the UAE launched its National AI Strategy 2031 and even appointed a dedicated Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence. Its approach integrates AI across sectors like health, transport and government services and includes investments in infrastructure and global partnerships. 

-United States & European Union: While the U.S. has issued executive orders addressing trustworthy and secure AI development, the European Union’s AI Act is the first comprehensive supranational regulation aimed at governing risks and ethical standards in AI systems across multiple countries. 
ITU

-East Asia: Nations like South Korea and Japan have detailed national strategies focused on ethical AI, public-private research collaboration, and cutting-edge infrastructure such as high-performance supercomputers. South Korea has adopted safety declarations and task forces aimed at inclusive and sustainable AI development.