Tech Anxiety: How Uruguay Deploys AI Without a Clear Legal Framework

Uruguay has become one of Latin America’s most ambitious adopters of artificial intelligence in the public sector. Its international reputation was cemented in 2024, when it ranked third in the Latin American AI Index and was chosen by Digital Nations to lead its AI working group in 2025—recognition of Uruguay’s strength in digital infrastructure, policy maturity, and innovation.

From education to infrastructure and public administration, dozens of public institutions are developing or deploying AI systems. This expansion rests on solid foundations: Uruguay leads the region in internet use, broadband access, and computer availability, and scores highly in mobile speed, data privacy, and AI literacy.

Yet this rollout is unfolding without an AI law, ethical safeguards, or oversight. Despite strong data governance and national strategies, Uruguay lacks mechanisms to evaluate or enforce responsible use of AI.

By offering the first in-depth look at how a democratic Latin American state is deploying AI in the absence of enforceable regulation, this project will surface critical lessons for policymakers, watchdogs, and civil society.

The investigation will be published by Amenaza Roboto, a Uruguayan science and technology newsroom recognized for its trailblazing work at the intersection of emerging technologies, climate, infrastructure, and public accountability.