Costa Rica advances digital transformation and 5G security

Costa Rica is advancing its digital transformation through new technological initiatives and forums. The upcoming GovTech Forum in San José aims to bring together public sector leaders, tech companies, and multilateral organizations to discuss digital government, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and smart cities. Luis Adrián Salazar, former Minister of Science, Technology, and Telecommunications, emphasizes that GovTech must move beyond simple digitalization to fundamentally transform how the state functions to serve citizens.

Simultaneously, the country is exploring the advanced capabilities of 5G networks for national security and infrastructure resilience. Industry experts are highlighting Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) technology, which allows 5G networks to act as environmental sensors. This capability can be used to detect and track drones in real time, secure borders, and protect critical assets. While these advancements offer significant economic and security benefits, they also present regulatory and legal challenges regarding the country's current framework.