Artificial Intelligence law at Bhutan
New AI Guidelines Issued for Bhutan's ...
Bhutan is actively developing a framework for the responsible use and governance of Artificial Intelligence (AI), focusing on ethical considerations, public sector readiness, and alignment with national values.(GovTech Agency)
🇧🇹 Bhutan’s AI Policy Landscape
In 2024, Bhutan's Government Technology Agency (GovTech) introduced the Guideline for Generative Artificial Intelligence Usage in the Civil Service. This guideline emphasizes responsible AI adoption, mandating human oversight, fact-checking, and transparency in AI-generated content. It also addresses privacy concerns, urging civil servants to be cautious of data collection by AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini .(GovTech Agency, Kuensel Online)
The United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) Artificial Intelligence Readiness Assessment (AIRA) 2024 highlights Bhutan's strengths in digital infrastructure but identifies gaps in AI skills, data governance, and ethical frameworks. It recommends developing a National AI Strategy, enhancing data interoperability, and fostering public-private collaborations .(UNDP)
🧠 Capacity Building and Infrastructure
To address these challenges, Bhutan has initiated several programs:(Asia News Network - Bringing Asia Closer)
AI Lab Program: Launched in June 2024, this five-year initiative, in collaboration with Druk Holding and Investments (DHI), Thimphu TechPark Limited (TTPL), and Omdena, aims to build AI capabilities through real-world projects and global partnerships .(Omdena)
National AI Strategy: In development with UNDP support, this strategy focuses on ethical AI adoption, aligning with Bhutan's commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) .(Bhutan Today)
⚖️ Ethical and Cultural Considerations
Bhutan's approach to AI governance is deeply rooted in its cultural values, emphasizing Gross National Happiness (GNH). The government is cautious about AI's potential to disrupt societal harmony, highlighting the need for ethical frameworks that address issues like data privacy, bias, and the risk of deepfakes .(Kuensel Online)
🔮 Future Outlook
Bhutan's AI policy is evolving with a focus on:
Developing a comprehensive National AI Strategy.(UNDP)
Enhancing AI education and training programs.
Establishing robust data governance frameworks.(Kuensel Online)
Promoting ethical AI practices aligned with national values.
These efforts aim to ensure that AI development in Bhutan is responsible, inclusive, and culturally sensitive.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the official guidelines and reports:
Guideline for Generative Artificial Intelligence Usage in the Civil Service 2024
Artificial Intelligence Readiness Assessment (AIRA) 2024
Bhutan faces AI readiness gaps, calls for national strategy
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