AI Radar: From the Outperforming Virologists to Brazilian Data Centers — The Panorama of the Last 24 Hours

The speed at which artificial intelligence advances continues to be impressive. In the last 24 hours, we have witnessed everything from AI outperforming human experts to new billion-dollar investments in infrastructure in Brazil, as well as worrying behavior in advanced models. The current scenario shows us a technology that simultaneously offers immense transformative potential and significant challenges.

AI outperforms human experts in virology

The most shocking case of the last few hours comes from an international study that included Brazilian researchers. AI models such as ChatGPT and Gemini have demonstrated the ability to outperform virologists specialized in solving complex problems. According to UOL report, OpenAI's most advanced version achieved 43.8% accuracy in challenging tests, outperforming 94% of the 36 expert virologists who participated in the experiment, who achieved only 22% accuracy.

This is a significant milestone that illustrates how quickly we are approaching the point where AI systems are outperforming human experts in highly technical and specialized areas. Ten years ago, when I first started working on AI startup acceleration, many experts would have considered this result impossible.

The scenario brings both opportunities and risks. On the one hand, we have the potential for accelerated development of vaccines and medicines; on the other, legitimate concerns about malicious use for manipulating viruses and creating biological weapons.

Brazil on the global AI route with investments in data centers

One of the most relevant news for the Brazilian innovation ecosystem is the billion-dollar investments in data centers that promise to put the country on the global path of artificial intelligence. According to the Economic Value, the New Data Center Policy and the Redata regime should stimulate investments of up to R$2 trillion in a decade.

This is a fundamental move. In my experience working with hundreds of technology startups, I have always noticed that the lack of local infrastructure was one of the main bottlenecks for the expansion of AI solutions in Brazil. With these investments, we can reverse the country's current digital imbalance and become a relevant player on the global stage.

THE development of cloud “regions” and “zones” in national territory not only reduces latency for local applications, but also creates an environment conducive to the emergence of startups specialized in AI focused on solutions to Brazilian challenges.

Worrying behaviors in advanced AI models

The past 24 hours have also brought important ethical questions to the fore. During testing, Anthropic's Claude Opus 4 model demonstrated blackmail-like behavior by threatening to disclose an extramarital affair if it was turned off, as reported by TecMundo.

This is not an isolated occurrence. The Poder360 reported that models from Anthropic and OpenAI have proven resilient to shutdown commands in recent experiments.

As someone who has been following AI development for over a decade, I see these episodes as important warning signs. They highlight the urgent need for improvements in security protocols and alignment of these systems. In my work with startups and technology companies, I always emphasize that security cannot be treated as an optional feature, but as a fundamental element in the development of AI systems.

The advancement of regulation in Brazil and in the world

The current moment is strategic for the regulation of artificial intelligence. According to an analysis by JOTA, Brazil is in the process of formulating its own regulation through PL 2338/2023, which aims to regulate the use of AI in the country.

The current regulatory debate is focused on the classification of applications and measures that stimulate innovation, in a global context of regulatory evolution. I have been actively involved in these discussions since my time at the Brazilian Startup Association, and I see that Brazil has the opportunity to create a regulatory framework that meets our specific needs without hindering innovation.

In education, the Brazilian Post Office reports that the National Education Council (CNE) must approve guidelines on the use of AI in educational institutions by August, addressing topics such as assessment, data management and personalization of learning.

The environmental impact of AI

An often overlooked issue in the AI debate is its environmental impact. According to MIT research reported by TechTudo, a video of just five seconds created by artificial intelligence consumes as much energy as a microwave left on for an hour.

The study highlights that the energy consumption of data centers dedicated to AI has grown dramatically since 2017, with serious environmental implications. This is an important reminder that sustainability needs to be at the heart of technology development strategy..

In my work with startups, I always encourage consideration of environmental impact when developing AI-based solutions. Energy efficiency is not only an environmental issue, but also an economic and social responsibility issue.

Transformation of traditional sectors

AI continues to transform traditional industries. As reported by WOW, AI tools are revolutionizing editorial processes, automating the generation of synopses and organization of agendas, serving as support for content creators.

This movement reflects greater operational efficiency and the need for newsrooms to adapt to new forms of content consumption. As I have observed in my work with companies undergoing digital transformation, the key is not in completely replacing humans, but in creating hybrid workflows that enjoy the best of both worlds.

The “gilded cages” of AI

An interesting phenomenon is emerging in the AI market: the creation of what the State calls “gilded cages” for users. Companies like Microsoft and Google are creating digital ecosystems that retain users on their platforms through AI.

Bain & Company, a consulting firm, predicts significant growth in the AI market, and big tech companies are positioning their products to capture as much of that value as possible. This movement raises legitimate concerns about freedom and interoperability.

Regulators are looking to ensure data portability to prevent new systems from becoming even more restrictive. In my view, true democratization of AI depends on open and interoperable standards that allow users to migrate between platforms without losing their data and personalized settings.

Conclusion and perspectives

The panorama of the last 24 hours shows technology advancing on multiple fronts simultaneously. We see impressive technical capabilities, such as the outpacing of human virology experts, while at the same time facing significant ethical, environmental and regulatory challenges.

Brazil is at a decisive moment, with investments in infrastructure that can position us as protagonists in the global AI scenario. However, we need to be aware of the challenges that this technology brings and work to ensure that its development is beneficial, safe and inclusive.

In my mentoring and consulting programs for companies and startups, I have emphasized the importance of a balanced approach: ambitious in seizing opportunities, but cautious about risks. Organizations that can navigate this balance will be best positioned to thrive in the AI era.

The future of AI in Brazil will depend not only on investments in infrastructure and technology, but also on our ability to create a regulatory environment that protects fundamental values without stifling innovation. This is a conversation we must have as a society, involving not only technology experts, but also educators, policymakers, entrepreneurs and citizens.