Artificial Intelligence law at Bahrain
Bahrain has introduced a comprehensive legal framework to regulate artificial intelligence (AI), aiming to balance technological advancement with ethical considerations and public safety.
🇧🇠Bahrain’s AI Regulation Law
In April 2024, Bahrain's Shura Council approved a 38-article draft law to govern AI technologies across various sectors, including healthcare, education, media, and public administration. The law is currently being formalized for presentation to Parliament within six months. (The Law Reporters, fccib.net)
Key Provisions:
Licensing and Oversight: A new regulatory body, the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence, will oversee AI system licensing, compliance, and enforcement.
Human Oversight Requirement: AI systems cannot make decisions affecting human rights without human intervention, particularly in critical areas like law, health, and finance.
Privacy and Ethics: The law prohibits AI systems from manipulating personal data, biometric information, or official documents without consent. (https://www.onearabia.me/)
Civil Liability: Developers and users of AI systems are held accountable for damages caused by their technologies, including those resulting from autonomous machines. (The Library of Congress)
Penalties: Violations can lead to fines ranging from BD1,000 to BD20,000 (approximately $2,650 to $53,000) and imprisonment for up to three years, depending on the severity of the offense. (fccib.net)
🧠Ethical and Regional Initiatives
Bahrain has been proactive in establishing ethical guidelines for AI. In 2024, it led the development of an AI ethics framework endorsed by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), emphasizing justice, transparency, and human rights in AI applications.
Additionally, Bahrain was among the first to pilot the World Economic Forum’s AI procurement guidelines in the public sector, reflecting its commitment to responsible AI adoption. (Pinsent Masons)
⚖️ Implementation and Enforcement
The law mandates the establishment of an AI unit with the authority to issue warnings, revoke licenses, and impose daily fines up to BD100 (approximately $265) for non-compliance. Repeated offenses within three years can result in fines up to BD200 per day, with a maximum cap of BD10,000. (The Library of Congress)
🔍 Conclusion
Bahrain's AI regulation law positions the country as a regional leader in AI governance, aiming to foster innovation while safeguarding public interests and ethical standards. The law's comprehensive approach addresses licensing, oversight, ethical considerations, and penalties, ensuring a balanced framework for AI development and deployment.
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