El Salvador will promote Artificial Intelligence with a new law
The Official Gazette published the new law for the Promotion of Artificial Intelligence and Technologies of El Salvador on March 3, with the goal of encouraging the development of artificial intelligence (AI) in the country through the creation of specialized laboratories, data centers, and a regulatory framework.
The law establishes the creation of the National Agency for Artificial Intelligence (ANIA), an entity attached to the Presidency of the Republic, whose director will be appointed by the President of El Salvador. This agency will be responsible for setting regulatory criteria within 90 days, as well as managing the National Registry of AI developers and operators.
Benefits and exemptions for AI developers
Developers and operators of AI registered in the National Registry will enjoy various benefits, including:
- Exemption from liability for the misuse of their tools by third parties or their use outside of El Salvador.
- Protection for experimental research.
- Non-application of judicial measures that limit the use of open domain data.
Regulations on ethics and data protection
The law requires the ethical and responsible use of AI systems and mandates informing users about the commercial use of this technology. Personal data protection will be governed by the provisions of this law and the guidelines issued by the National Agency for Artificial Intelligence and the State Cybersecurity Agency.
Boosting innovation and prohibition of anti-competitive practices
The government must promote the creation of AI laboratories and research centers, providing resources and training for entities working in this field. Additionally, private companies are prohibited from adopting practices that limit free competition in AI development within the country.
The law also stipulates that any individual or entity is free to develop, research, and apply AI technologies in El Salvador. It further states that intellectual property resulting from these developments will belong to the creators of the AI.
Oversight and security in AI use
AI activities related to public institutions or supervised by administrative authorities must comply with security standards set by the State Cybersecurity Agency (ACE). Furthermore, ANIA will design a risk evaluation framework for systems that handle confidential, reserved, or personal data within 90 days.
Rodrigo Benítez
rodrigo.benitez@garciabodan.com
Associate
García & Bodán
El Salvador
