Parliamentarians adopt the Law / Day of the Artificial Intelligence Center

The aim of the law is to promote « the use of reliable and secure artificial intelligence in the public's good productivity and competitiveness ».

By promoting reliable and secure artificial intelligence innovation, the new law stipulates the creation of artificial intelligence technology ecosystem, its legal framework for cooperation between public and private sector and universities, supporting the responsible application and development of artificial intelligence technology.

The law sets an artificial intelligence center, combining the state, research and digital representatives to promote mutual partnership, the introduction and development of innovations, to promote the implementation of artificial intelligence initiatives in areas with high potential in accordance with national interests and the competitiveness of the country.

The aim of the center is to promote the skills and equality of society in the field of artificial intelligence, as well as to ensure that artificial intelligence systems are used ethically, responsibly and safely in accordance with the fundamental human rights. The center will also have to implement measures to reduce the risks related to the use of artificial intelligence.

The new center is planned as a foundation and will be attended not only by the state represented by the Ministry of Economics and the Ministry of Defense, but also the private sector – the Latvian Information and Communication Technology Association and the University of Latvia. The center will consist of the Council, the director of the center and the Secretariat, which will be provided by the National Digital Development Agency. There will be nine members in the Council.

The Saeima has established the right to develop a special regulatory environment for the testing of artificial intelligence systems of the Artificial Intelligence. They will be able to operate without applying the requirements of regulatory enactments, but subject to the conditions included in the new law, including the processing of data. Requirements for the persons involved in the special regulatory environment and their duties, actions with persons, as well as the technical and organizational requirements to be met in the processing process will be determined by the Cabinet.

Artificial intelligence can provide significant competitiveness benefits and contribute to society and environmental results. In addition, artificial intelligence drives innovation, its application increases productivity, making it a strategic priority in Latvia as well. Artificial intelligence can offer solutions in many areas, including health, education, public safety and protection, cyber safety, quality of public services, energy, transport and logistics, as well as in reducing climate change, the authors of the draft law have noted the authors of the law.

The authors of the draft law have also indicated that the use of artificial intelligence also involves a number of risks, including unconscious and improper use of it can lead to inaccurate or discriminatory results, and can be used for intentional attacks, such as data damage and manipulation that can endanger services, data security and public confidence. It is therefore important to strengthen the national ability to monitor, control, solve and prevent malicious applications and attacks of artificial intelligence.

The new law will enter into force the day after the announcement. The deadline for the establishment of the Artificial Intelligence Center is March 31 this year.

As LETA informed MEPRD, artificial intelligence centers will be made as a private law. This legal form will allow you to combine the competences and resources of public administration, universities and private sectors, ensuring joint initiatives and operating in action. At the same time, the chosen form does not provide for new posts in public administration.

The establishment of the center will be channeled into the state budget funding in 2025 and additional funding will be expected to be provided in the coming years. One of the tasks of the center will also be to attract private capital and fund funding.