Introduction to the Pioneering Legislation
El Salvador has recently approved the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act in late February, aiming to regulate AI technology’s application in sectors such as electricity, security, and transportation. This pioneering legislation is being developed under the guidance of the Office of the Bitcoin (OFB), part of President Nayib Bukele’s administration.
Key Aspects of the Proposed Law
The Legislative Assembly of El Salvador is currently reviewing a Robotics Law proposal, which aims to establish a clear legal framework for the development, use, and ethical regulation of physical AI. If passed, this law will:
- Promote innovation by fostering a robust ecosystem for research, industry, and security;
- Boost sectors like education, energy, healthcare, meteorological services, cybersecurity, and national defense.
The OFB promises that this legislation will position El Salvador as a regional leader in technological innovation. In addition to the AI Act, El Salvador has also approved the Ley de Inteligencia Artificial (AI Act) in late February, intending to apply AI technology in areas such as electricity, security, and transportation.
Establishing Supporting Institutions
This regulatory framework also includes the creation of AI laboratories, research centers, and the Agencia Nacional de Inteligencia Artificial (ANIA), the entity responsible for enforcing the law.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main objective of El Salvador’s new AI and Robotics Law?
The primary goal is to establish a clear legal framework for the development, use, and ethical regulation of physical AI technology in various sectors. - Which sectors will benefit from the implementation of this law?
The law aims to boost sectors such as education, energy, healthcare, meteorological services, cybersecurity, and national defense. - What institutions will be established to support the implementation of this law?
Alongside the AI Act, El Salvador plans to create AI laboratories, research centers, and the Agencia Nacional de Inteligencia Artificial (ANIA) to ensure proper enforcement and oversight.
Contextualizing El Salvador’s Pioneering Effort
President Nayib Bukele, elected in 2019, has shown a strong commitment to modernizing El Salvador’s economy and society. His administration has embraced innovative technologies, including cryptocurrencies and blockchain, positioning the country as a regional leader in digital transformation. The new AI and Robotics Law is an extension of this forward-thinking approach, aiming to harness the potential of AI technology for national development.
By establishing a comprehensive legal framework, El Salvador seeks to attract investment in AI research and development while ensuring ethical considerations are prioritized. This pioneering legislation could serve as a model for other Latin American countries looking to integrate AI technologies into their economies and public services.
