Several countries and international bodies have updated or introduced new regulations and guidelines to address the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI).

As AI technology rapidly advances, several countries and international bodies have updated or introduced new regulations and guidelines to address its implications. Here’s an overview of key global legislative developments:

European Union (EU)

AI Act (Artificial Intelligence Act)

  • Status: Undergoing final negotiations (2025)
  • Overview: Proposed in 2021, the AI Act aims to regulate high-risk AI applications, ensuring they are safe and align with EU values. It classifies AI systems based on minimal, limited, high, and unacceptable risk levels with stricter requirements for high-risk applications in sectors like healthcare, transportation, and law enforcement.
  • Recent Developments: In 2024, the European Parliament and the Council reached a provisional agreement on the Act’s text. Final adoption is expected in mid-2025, with enforcement commencing in 2026.

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

  • Status: In effect since 2018; ongoing amendments
  • Overview: GDPR sets data protection and privacy standards, including provisions for AI-driven decision-making processes. It grants individuals the right to contest automated decisions that have legal consequences.
  • Recent Developments: In 2023, the European Data Protection Board issued guidelines clarifying the application of GDPR to AI systems, emphasizing transparency and accountability.

EU Digital Services Act (DSA) & Digital Markets Act (DMA)

  • Status: Adopted (2022); enforcement ongoing
  • Overview: The DSA and DMA regulate digital platforms and services, addressing AI-driven online platforms, tackling harmful content, and ensuring fair competition in digital markets.
  • Recent Developments: As of 2024, major online platforms have started implementing measures to comply with these Acts, focusing on content moderation and transparency.

United States

National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act

  • Status: Passed (2020); ongoing implementation
  • Overview: Establishes a national strategy for AI research and development, focusing on ethical considerations and maintaining U.S. leadership in AI technology.
  • Recent Developments: In 2023, the National AI Research Resource Task Force released a roadmap to expand access to AI resources for researchers nationwide.

Algorithmic Accountability Act

  • Status: Reintroduced (2023)
  • Overview: Aims to ensure transparency and accountability in AI systems by requiring companies to assess their AI algorithms for potential bias and impact.
  • Recent Developments: The 2023 reintroduction includes provisions for regular audits and public reporting to enhance accountability.

 China

Interim Measures for the Management of Generative AI Services

  • Status: Implemented (2023)
  • Overview: These measures regulate generative AI services, emphasizing content control, data security, and user privacy.
  • Recent Developments: In 2024, China introduced additional guidelines to strengthen the ethical use of AI, focusing on preventing misuse in media and entertainment.

United Kingdom

National AI Strategy

  • Status: Published (2021); ongoing initiatives
  • Overview: The UK’s 10-year strategy focuses on fostering AI innovation while ensuring ethical and safe use. It aims to promote investment and ensure AI systems align with public and ethical standards.
  • Recent Developments: In November 2023, the UK hosted the first major global summit on AI safety, emphasizing international collaboration on AI governance.

Japan

AI Governance Guidelines

  • Status: Published (2023)
  • Overview: Japan released comprehensive guidelines focusing on AI technologies’ ethical use, safety standards, and governance.
  • Recent Developments: These guidelines emphasize transparency and accountability, aligning with global standards.

Canada

Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA)

  • Status: Proposed (2022); under parliamentary review
  • Overview: AIDA aims to regulate AI systems, focusing on mitigating risks of harm and bias, and ensuring responsible development and deployment.
  • Recent Developments: As of 2024, AIDA is undergoing parliamentary review, with anticipated enactment in late 2025.

Australia

AI Ethics Framework

  • Status: Published (2019); updates in progress
  • Overview: Australia’s framework provides guidelines for ethical AI deployment, focusing on fairness, transparency, and privacy protection.
  • Recent Developments: In 2024, the government initiated a review to update the framework to address emerging AI challenges and align with international standards.

Brazil

General Data Protection Law (LGPD)

  • Status: In effect since 2020; amendments proposed
  • Overview: Brazil’s data protection law regulates the use of personal data, impacting AI systems that rely on large datasets.
  • Recent Developments: Proposed amendments in 2023 aim to strengthen enforcement mechanisms and enhance protections against AI-related data misuse.

Morocco

National Agency for Artificial Intelligence (Proposed)

  • Status: Legislative proposal (2024)
  • Overview: A coalition of political parties proposed establishing a national agency to regulate AI technologies, enhance collaboration with international entities, and increase public awareness of AI’s possibilities and risks.

Council of Europe

Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence

  • Status: Adopted (May 2024); opened for signature (September 2024)
  • Overview: The Council of Europe adopted a treaty focusing on AI’s implications for human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. The convention is open for global accession by states.

Stay informed on these developments to ensure your corporate AI strategies align with emerging global standards and regulations.