Kazakhstan’s Ambitious AI Regulation: A Human-Centric Approach
With its draft ‘Law on Artificial Intelligence’ approved in May, Kazakhstan is setting an ambitious course to regulate AI with a focus on human-centric principles. This initiative comes as the Central Asian nation seeks to establish a framework that not only aligns with global trends but also reflects its own national values.
Reflecting Global Trends
The head of the Centre for Public Legislation and Public Administration, Shoplan Saimova, stated, “The bill reflects major global trends in AI regulation.” The EU’s AI Act serves as a model, and Kazakhstan aims to lead rather than follow, creating a system that builds trust between humans and algorithms while safeguarding public interests.
Broad Consultation for Development
The development of this law involved extensive consultation with stakeholders, including lawmakers, tech experts, and industry representatives. This collaborative approach highlights a robust cross-sector backing for the initiative, which aims to regulate AI across various societal domains.
Core Principles of the Legislation
The draft legislation is built on fundamental principles such as:
- Fairness
- Legality
- Accountability
- Human well-being
Notably, the law prohibits unauthorized data collection and considers imposing criminal liability for significant misuse of AI systems that pose risks to the public.
Impact on Workforce and Training
This legislation could reshape the workforce in Kazakhstan. Experts emphasize the urgent necessity to retrain IT professionals, especially in areas like AI system design and digital ethics. The government recognizes that a responsible approach to AI can foster economic growth while prioritizing human rights.
Legal Framework and Human Rights Concerns
Igor Rogov, the head of Kazakhstan’s human rights commission, has raised important questions regarding accountability in AI systems. Key concerns include:
- Who is responsible when AI causes harm?
- Who owns content generated by AI?
- How can we prevent AI from being utilized for fraud or deception?
The judiciary in Kazakhstan has begun integrating AI to draft decisions in civil cases, indicating the early stages of AI adoption in public institutions while ensuring judges retain final authority.
Challenges and Regulatory Gaps
A recent academic study conducted by five Kazakh scholars offers a comparative legal analysis of Kazakhstan’s draft AI legislation and the EU’s AI Act. While Kazakhstan adopts several elements of a risk-based approach, the framework is found to be lacking in:
- Clear risk classification systems
- Requirements for algorithmic transparency
- Robust personal data protections
- Strong institutional enforcement mechanisms
The authors of the study suggest that Kazakhstan should selectively adopt components of the EU model, adjusting them to fit the national legal framework. Establishing clear regulatory standards and enhancing institutional capacity are deemed necessary for ensuring compliance.
Transparency and Public Education
The unique challenges posed by Kazakhstan’s media landscape and multilingual environment necessitate that transparency and accountability efforts are supported by public education and sufficient technical infrastructure.
Conclusion: Towards a Responsible AI Ecosystem
While the legal efforts to regulate AI in Kazakhstan are promising, further work is needed. By drawing insights from the EU’s experiences, Kazakhstan can strive to establish a responsible and trusted AI ecosystem—one that not only protects citizens’ rights but also attracts global partnerships and investment.
