The Parliament of Kazakhstan has finally approved the Law “On Artificial Intelligence” along with related documents regulating the use of AI and digitalization. The package of laws will now be sent to the President for signature.
How the discussion went
A week earlier, the Senate had returned the draft law on artificial intelligence to the Mazhilis for revision. Senators proposed clarifying certain provisions and adding new norms related to the safety of AI systems. Among them was a requirement for mandatory insurance of liability for any damage that may result from the use of AI. Previously, such insurance was considered voluntary.
The wording on risk prevention was also revised. While earlier versions required AI owners to mitigate damage once it occurred, the updated version obliges them to take preventive measures in advance to avoid harm and eliminate potential threats.
All proposed amendments were supported by the Mazhilis. According to deputy Yekaterina Smyshlyayeva, the changes are purely clarifying and do not affect law enforcement practice.
What the law establishes
For the first time, the new law introduces key AI-related terms into Kazakhstan’s legislation:
“artificial intelligence”, “model”, “system”, “data library”, and “synthetic result”.
The document also defines the legal and organizational framework for regulating AI technologies, requirements for transparency and safety, and the procedures for using AI by state and quasi-state organizations. It expands the powers of the Government to shape national policy in this area.
The law consists of 7 chapters and 28 articles. It becomes the main legal act establishing a unified framework for the development and use of AI systems in Kazakhstan.
International context
Kazakhstan joins the ranks of countries forming their own legal frameworks for artificial intelligence.
The European Union has adopted a comprehensive AI law regulating high-risk systems and accountability. South Korea has enacted a framework law on AI, while China, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the UAE have their own sets of regulations and standards. Japan, Brazil, and India are currently developing similar documents.
The adoption of Kazakhstan’s AI law lays the foundation for the systematic development and safe implementation of artificial intelligence technologies in the economy and public administration.