The Cuban regime has recently secured an international partner for its latest technological ambition: the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Cuba. On Friday, Miguel Díaz-Canel signed an agreement in Havana with Russian Deputy Prime Minister, Dimitri Chernyshenko, to establish a joint AI laboratory.
The agreement was formalized during the 22nd Cuban-Russian Intergovernmental Commission. However, the government has not disclosed specific details regarding the project's scope, infrastructure, budget, or specific applications.
Contradictory Priorities: AI Amid Basic Needs Shortages
The Russian-Cuban AI laboratory is part of over a dozen bilateral agreements across various sectors, including health, cartography, and technology. All these agreements have been made under the usual institutional secrecy, without public consultation or information on their feasibility or actual impact on the country.
While the Cuban leader is keen on promoting emerging technologies, the population faces a dire reality with daily power outages, unstable internet connections, chronic shortages of food and medicine, and an outdated digital infrastructure. This stark contrast is paradoxical and, for many, infuriating. Attempting to advance cutting-edge tech projects without addressing basic needs highlights the disconnect between the ruling elite and the everyday lives of the Cuban people.
Shrouded in Secrecy: Details Still Unknown
Beyond the ceremonial announcement and diplomatic gestures, no details have been provided about how the AI laboratory will be developed, its location, funding sources, or the professionals who will be involved. It remains unclear whether the outcomes will benefit the broader Cuban society or if it will be another government project limited to power circles or military institutions.
Technology Access Limited to Elite Circles
This type of government-driven agreement, lacking citizen participation or private sector involvement, tends to widen the technological inequalities on the island. The digital divide is already significant, with privileged sectors having continuous internet access and mid-to-high-end devices, while most Cubans are constrained by outdated equipment, prohibitive prices, and poor connectivity services.
It seems that this push for AI, rather than being a genuine national development strategy, will end up as part of the technocratic rhetoric the government uses to project modernity to its international allies. Meanwhile, the population remains mired in hardship, queuing up to withdraw money from an ATM.
Exploring the AI Initiative and Its Implications in Cuba
What is the purpose of the Cuban-Russian AI agreement?
The agreement aims to establish a joint AI laboratory between Cuba and Russia to advance the development of Artificial Intelligence on the island.
Why is the AI initiative controversial in Cuba?
The initiative is controversial because it highlights the disconnect between the Cuban government's technological ambitions and the basic needs of its citizens, who face daily shortages and an outdated infrastructure.
What details about the AI project have not been disclosed?
The government has not revealed specifics about the project's scope, funding, location, or the professionals involved, leading to concerns about transparency and public benefit.