Artificial Intelligence law at Colombia
As of May 2025, Colombia is actively advancing its regulatory framework for artificial intelligence (AI), focusing on ethical governance, data protection, and public sector integration.
🇨🇴 National AI Policy (CONPES 4144)
In February 2025, the Colombian government approved the National Artificial Intelligence Policy (Document CONPES 4144), outlining a strategic roadmap with 106 actions and a COP 479 billion (approximately USD 115.9 million) investment through 2030. The policy is structured around six key pillars:(Access Partnership)
Ethics and Governance: Establishing a regulatory framework to ensure the responsible and ethical use of AI.(Access Partnership)
Data and Infrastructure: Enhancing data availability, digital infrastructure, and computational capabilities.(Access Partnership)
Research, Development, and Innovation (R&D+i): Strengthening AI-focused research and fostering technological advancements.(Access Partnership)
Talent Development and Digital Skills: Expanding AI-related education and workforce capabilities.(Access Partnership)
Risk Mitigation: Identifying and addressing potential AI risks, including biases, cybersecurity threats, and labor market disruptions.(Access Partnership)
AI Adoption and Use: Encouraging AI integration in the public and private sectors to drive economic and social transformation. (Access Partnership)
🧑⚖️ AI Guidelines for the Judiciary
In December 2024, Colombia became the first country to adapt UNESCO’s Guidelines for AI Use in Judicial Systems. The resulting "Guidelines for the Responsible and Safe Use of Generative AI in the Judicial Branch" were developed in collaboration with UNESCO and the Superior Council of the Judiciary. These guidelines emphasize transparency, accountability, and human oversight in AI applications within the judiciary. They provide practical guidance on implementing AI ethically across different judicial cases, ensuring that AI strengthens justice systems while upholding human rights and judicial integrity. (UNESCO)
🔐 Data Protection and AI
In August 2024, the Superintendence of Industry and Commerce (SIC) issued External Circular No. 2 of 2024, establishing guidelines regarding personal data processed through AI systems. The circular underscores the critical importance of secure environments that comply with current regulations prior to the initiation of any processing of personal data. It emphasizes principles such as necessity, suitability, reasonableness, and proportionality when using AI systems to process personal data. Additionally, it highlights the importance of conducting privacy impact assessments and recommends the use of differential privacy techniques to protect individual identities. (Home | Holland & Knight)
🏛️ Legislative Developments
In November 2023, the Colombian Senate passed Law 059/23, establishing public policy guidelines for the development, use, and implementation of AI. The law outlines principles for AI, including human authority, common good, cooperation, safe design, and the prevalence of human intelligence. It also establishes the Data Processing and Artificial Intelligence Developments Commission, tasked with endorsing institutional requests on AI developments, drafting and disseminating technical regulations, advising Congress on AI-related initiatives, and proposing AI technological initiatives in public management and for economic, social, and environmental development. (DPA)
🎓 Education and Research Initiatives
Colombia is investing in AI education and research to build a robust AI ecosystem. The government has supported the creation of AI-focused academic programs and research centers, fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government. These initiatives aim to develop local expertise in AI and promote innovation in various sectors, including healthcare, education, and environmental management. (El País)
⚠️ Ongoing Challenges
Despite these advancements, Colombia faces challenges in AI regulation, including:
Data Privacy Concerns: The need to balance AI innovation with the protection of personal data and privacy rights.
Digital Divide: Ensuring equitable access to AI technologies across different regions and communities.
Regulatory Gaps: Addressing the absence of specific regulations to govern AI applications comprehensively.
The government acknowledges these challenges and is committed to addressing them through continued policy development and stakeholder engagement. (El País)
Colombia's proactive approach to AI regulation positions it as a leader in Latin America, balancing innovation with ethical considerations and data protection. The ongoing development of AI policies and regulations reflects the country's commitment to harnessing AI's potential responsibly.
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