By Beto Marcelino, Chairman of the Board, Grupo iCities
This reflection begins with the affirmation that, alongside global digital transformation, it is imperative to establish a new technological ethic, founded upon three fundamental pillars: responsibility, transparency, and security.
In this context, countries like those within the European Union and the United States have already initiated regulatory reforms to address the complex challenges of cybersecurity in the digital age. This offers Brazil a valuable opportunity to strengthen its own policies and practices, ensuring a safer, more reliable digital environment that is conducive to innovation and economic development.
To contextualize the discussion, it is essential to revisit the definition of cybersecurity: a comprehensive framework of practices and technologies designed to safeguard data, systems, and networks against unauthorized access, malicious attacks, and failures that may compromise sensitive information, which includes financial, biometric, and medical records. In an increasingly connected and digitized world, ensuring the protection of such data is crucial to maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information across all sectors.
The advancement of smart cities — which strategically collect and manage data to optimize public administration — demands a governance approach centered on the well-being of the citizens. Therefore, protecting this data transcends technical considerations and becomes an ethical commitment to safeguarding individuals.
A noteworthy case study I witnessed was presented at the most recent IoT Solutions World Congress and Barcelona Cybersecurity Congress, held in May 2025 at Fira Barcelona. A European consortium of technology firms and local governments showcased an integrated cybersecurity solution for connected urban mobility. The initiative demonstrated how autonomous vehicles, smart traffic lights, and traffic sensors can function in a secure network, offering real-time protection against cyberattacks and systemic failures. This project was developed under the principles of “security by design”, in which systems are architected with embedded security from inception, and included AI-driven threat detection and automated response capabilities.
This case exemplifies the potential of cybersecurity when combined with responsible AI use and data governance to foster resilient urban environments prepared for ongoing digital transformation. It also serves as a practical reference for Brazilian cities seeking to implement secure and ethical smart infrastructure.
The European Union has also enacted the Cyber Resilience Act, which mandates cybersecurity requirements for products with digital components. This regulation ensures that connected devices are secure throughout their entire lifecycle, based on the principle of ensuring security from conception to disposal, reinforcing the “security by design” concept.
In addition, the integration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence has become central to discussions on technological ethics. The European Union’s recently approved Artificial Intelligence Act seeks to promote a human-centric, trustworthy, and secure approach to AI, while ensuring the protection of fundamental rights such as health and safety. The legislation prohibits high-risk practices, including biometric categorization based on sensitive data and emotion recognition in workplaces and schools, unless justified by medical or security needs.
In the United States, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) introduced regulations requiring public companies to report material cybersecurity incidents within four business days. This level of transparency is crucial in reinforcing trust across all stakeholders, from investors to the general public.
I believe this transparency is crucial when we discuss building trust among all stakeholders, including everyone from investors to the general public.
Brazil is advancing with the launch of its National Cybersecurity Strategy (e-Ciber) for the 2025–2028 period. The initiative aims to strengthen the country’s digital protection framework through a focus on critical infrastructure security, workforce training, innovation incentives, and international cooperation. The strategy seeks to enhance national cyber resilience, improve digital governance, and foster collaboration between the public and private sectors in responding to cyber threats.
In addition to the strategy, it is essential that Brazil consider the implementation of comprehensive regulatory frameworks that ensure the ethical and secure development of new technologies. This includes establishing legal instruments that address algorithmic bias, ensure transparency, and promote accountability.
Equally vital is the emphasis on education and public awareness. These elements constitute the foundation of a practical and robust technological ethic. Investing in training programs and awareness campaigns is critical to mitigating risks associated with human error, which represents a persistent vulnerability within any security system.
The success of such measures also depends on collaboration between public and private stakeholders. Strategic partnerships can accelerate the adoption of best practices and drive innovation, ensuring that technological solutions effectively meet societal needs.
For Brazil, aligning national legislation with internationally recognized standards can facilitate global cooperation and elevate the country’s standing in the international arena, opening new avenues for economic growth and innovation.
In conclusion, a promising path lies in observing, adapting, and internalizing global best practices. This approach will allow Brazil not only to advance its cybersecurity infrastructure but also to lead by example by establishing a technological ethic centered on security, transparency, and the collective good, and ultimately enhancing quality of life for all citizens, who must remain the central focus of our efforts toward a more secure and innovative future.
Beto Marcelino serves as Chairman of the Board for iCities Group and is the co-founder of the Brazilian holding company, a benchmark in the urban innovation and smart cities ecosystem. As a pioneering agent in this field, he was one of the rapporteurs for the Brazilian Charter of Smart Cities, an initiative by the Ministry of Cities, and also participated in the Cities 4.0 program, from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovations (MCTI), contributing to the construction of the National Policy for Smart Cities.
He holds a degree in Agronomic Engineering from the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), with a specialization in smart cities from Smart City Expert, and an MBA in Marketing from FAE Business School. He is also an ambassador for Fira Barcelona in Brazil, strengthening the connection between global events and the Brazilian urban context.
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Beto Marcelino serves as Chairman of the Board for iCities Group. He is the co-founder of the Brazilian holding company, a benchmark in the urban innovation and smart cities ecosystem. As a pioneering agent in this field, he was one of the rapporteurs for the Brazilian Charter of Smart Cities, an initiative by the Ministry of Cities, and also participated in the Cities 4.0 program, from the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovations (MCTI), contributing to the construction of the National Policy for Smart Cities.
He holds a degree in Agronomic Engineering from the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), with a specialization in smart cities from Smart City Expert, and an MBA in Marketing from FAE Business School. He is also an ambassador for Fira Barcelona in Brazil, strengthening the connection between global events and the Brazilian urban context.
