President Tokayev Signs New Law Regulating Artificial Intelligence in Kazakhstan
Ashgabat, The Gulf Observer: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Monday signed into law a comprehensive legislative framework governing the use, development, and regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) systems in Kazakhstan, according to media reports. The presidential press service at Akorda confirmed that the new law establishes guiding principles for the functioning of AI technologies across the country.
The legislation formally defines artificial intelligence systems as a component of informatization and as tools intended to assist humans in performing specific tasks. Central to the law is the principle of responsibility and accountability, under which owners, holders, and users of AI systems bear obligations aligned with their respective roles. These include managing risks, ensuring safety and reliability, and providing users with support concerning system operations.
The law enshrines key principles such as legality, fairness, equality, transparency, explainability, the prioritization of human well-being, freedom of decision-making, data protection, privacy, safety, and security. To safeguard public order and protect the rights of individuals and legal entities, the legislation bans the creation and operation of certain types of AI systems within Kazakhstan. These include systems employing subliminal or manipulative methods, those collecting or processing personal data in violation of national legislation, and other systems deemed potentially harmful.
To enhance public awareness of AI-generated outputs, the law introduces mandatory labeling of goods, works, and services produced with the involvement of artificial intelligence.
In line with international best practices, the law also establishes the legal foundations for a national artificial intelligence platform. This platform will support the development, training, and pilot testing of software products and AI models for limited periods, contributing to the country’s efforts to strengthen its technological ecosystem.
Additionally, President Tokayev signed a related law introducing amendments and additions to several legislative acts concerning artificial intelligence and digitalization. The amendments are divided into two primary blocks: the first aligns existing legislation with the new AI law, while the second addresses broader regulatory areas.
Among the key updates, the circulation of unsecured digital assets is now regulated nationwide, extending beyond the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), where such activities were previously confined. Measures to reinforce personal data protection have also been included, specifying that consent for data processing must not exceed the duration necessary to fulfill its intended purpose. Individuals or their legal representatives may withdraw consent by notifying the respective data controller or third party.
Furthermore, the mechanism for marking goods has been strengthened through a requirement for domestic retail entities to record transactions by scanning identification means via cash registers. Several amendments also introduce enhanced requirements to ensure information security.
The full text of the law will be published in the press.
