Artificial Intelligence law at Curaçao (Netherlands)
As of May 2025, Curaçao does not have specific national legislation governing artificial intelligence (AI). However, the country is actively engaged in developing AI governance frameworks through national initiatives and regional cooperation.
🇨🇼 Curaçao’s AI Governance Initiatives
1. AI Readiness Assessment Using UNESCO Methodology
In February 2025, Curaçao, in collaboration with UNESCO and the University of Curaçao, conducted a validation session for the Ethics of AI Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM). This assessment aimed to evaluate Curaçao's preparedness for implementing UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of AI. The session brought together government officials, private sector representatives, academia, and civil society to review and finalize the country's readiness for AI governance. The RAM focuses on three key pillars: regulation, institutional framework, and capacity development and training. (UNESCO, Curaçao Chronicle)
2. Launch of AI Readiness Assessment Report
In April 2025, Curaçao launched the AI Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) Report, developed in collaboration with UNESCO and other stakeholders. The report evaluates Curaçao’s readiness for AI and provides policy recommendations to integrate AI into education, innovation, and workforce development. Minister Sithree van Heydoorn emphasized that AI is a key driver of an inclusive, knowledge-based economy and called on academia, government, industry, and civil society to work together to implement the report’s recommendations. (UNESCO)
3. Participation in Regional AI Initiatives
Curaçao is actively participating in regional efforts to establish AI governance frameworks. In January 2025, the country signed the Cartagena Agreement, a treaty focusing on collaboration in the field of AI and promoting the ethical, safe, inclusive, and efficient use of AI among Latin American and Caribbean countries. The agreement emphasizes the importance of improving education and knowledge in digital technology and AI, and developing AI in public administration with a focus on human rights and personal data protection. (Curaçao Chronicle)
⚖️ Legal and Regulatory Landscape
Currently, Curaçao does not have specific legislation addressing AI. The general law of obligations and product safety regulations would apply when AI systems are used and result in issues. Additionally, existing intellectual property frameworks, laws, and regulations would be applied in the event AI systems are developed and used or when such systems infringe existing technologies in Curaçao. As an associated Overseas Country and Territory of the Netherlands, Curaçao is not part of the European Union, and therefore, the EU AI Act does not apply to the island. (Lex Mundi)
✅ Summary
National Initiatives: Curaçao is developing ethical AI governance frameworks through the RAM assessment, the launch of the AI Readiness Assessment Report, and the formulation of a national AI strategy.
Regional Cooperation: The country is actively participating in regional efforts, such as the Cartagena Agreement, to establish AI governance standards.
Legal Considerations: While progress is being made, Curaçao lacks specific AI laws, and existing legal frameworks may need to be updated to address AI-related issues comprehensively.
Curaçao's proactive approach to AI governance, both nationally and regionally, positions it to develop a robust and ethical AI landscape in the coming years.
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