AI Watch: Global Regulatory Tracker – Colombia
The regulation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming a pressing issue worldwide, and Colombia is no exception. Despite congressional activity surrounding AI regulation, the current landscape remains unclear and uncertain.
Current Status of AI Regulations
As of now, there are no specific laws, statutory rules, or regulations in Colombia that directly govern AI. However, the Colombian government has taken steps to outline its approach through various legal instruments:
- CONPES 4144 establishes Colombia’s National Artificial Intelligence Policy, which aims to position the country competitively in AI through six strategic objectives:
- Ethics and Governance: Strengthening governance mechanisms and applying ethical principles for responsible AI development.
- Data and Infrastructure: Enhancing technological infrastructure and access to high-quality data.
- Research, Development, and Innovation: Promoting AI research to drive productivity.
- Capabilities and Digital Talent: Developing skills and specialized human capital.
- Risk Mitigation: Identifying and preventing risks associated with AI use.
- AI Adoption and Use: Encouraging AI adoption in public institutions and businesses.
In addition, the External Directive 002 of 2024 by the Colombian Data Protection Authority (SIC) provides guidance on the processing of personal data in AI systems, ensuring compliance with the Colombian General Data Protection Framework.
Proposed AI Legislation
More than 20 bills aimed at regulating AI have been proposed to Congress, though none have been approved to date. The most recent comprehensive bill, proposed on May 7, 2025, seeks to:
- Introduce a classification of AI systems by risk level (prohibited, high, limited, and minimal).
- Establish a governance system led by the Ministry of Science.
- Create the National Advisory Council on Artificial Intelligence.
- Promote research and training of human talent.
- Provide measures for workforce transition.
This proposed legislation remains under scrutiny and debate, with no clear timeline for approval. It is uncertain whether the proposed bill will be a legislative priority.
Core Issues Addressed by the Proposed Bill
The core principles of the Proposed Bill focus on enhancing competitive productivity, ensuring transparency, and advancing fundamental AI research. The government aims to guide organizations away from improper uses of AI that may violate rights or harm citizens.
The Proposed Bill categorizes AI systems into four risk categories:
- Prohibited AI Systems: Banned due to unacceptable risks to rights or security.
- High-Risk AI Systems: Subject to strict requirements, including data quality and transparency.
- Limited-Risk AI Systems: Must inform users they are interacting with AI.
- Low-Risk AI Systems: Subject to general ethical guidelines.
Compliance Requirements
The Proposed Bill outlines key compliance requirements, including:
- Risk Classification and Management: AI systems classified by risk levels.
- Transparency and Explainability: Users must be informed when interacting with AI systems.
- Human Oversight and Control: Systems must allow for human intervention.
- Data Protection and Privacy: Compliance with existing data protection laws is mandatory.
- Non-Discrimination and Equity: AI systems must promote diversity and inclusion.
Future of AI Regulation in Colombia
The AI regulatory landscape in Colombia is poised for evolution as new bills are proposed and existing frameworks are refined. Businesses must stay informed to navigate the complexities of AI regulations and to identify both opportunities and risks associated with AI technology.
As AI continues to advance, the development of a comprehensive regulatory framework will be critical to ensure responsible innovation while safeguarding the rights and interests of individuals and society as a whole.
