Artificial Intelligence law at Dominica
As of May 2025, the Commonwealth of Dominica has not enacted a dedicated national law specifically governing artificial intelligence (AI). However, the country has established a foundational legal framework for data protection, which indirectly addresses some aspects of AI, particularly concerning the handling of personal data.
🇩🇲 Data Protection Framework in Dominica
Dominica's primary legislation concerning data protection is the Data Protection Act of 2011. This Act sets forth provisions for the collection, processing, and storage of personal data, emphasizing principles such as data minimization, purpose limitation, transparency, and accountability. It grants individuals rights including access to their data, rectification, and erasure, aligning with global best practices in data privacy .(Generis Global Legal Services)
In addition to the Data Protection Act, other significant laws impacting data privacy include the Electronic Transactions Act, which regulates electronic communication and transactions, and the Freedom of Information Act, which provides citizens the right to access information held by public authorities, promoting transparency while balancing confidentiality needs .(Generis Global Legal Services)
While these laws do not specifically address AI, they establish a legal environment that governs the use of personal data, which is integral to AI systems.
🌍 Regional and International Engagement
Dominica is a member of regional organizations such as the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), which have frameworks aimed at promoting data security and privacy across member states. These regional agreements encourage the harmonization of laws to facilitate cross-border data flows, enhancing the protection of personal data in accordance with international standards .(Generis Global Legal Services)
Additionally, Dominica is a signatory to various international treaties and agreements that influence its data protection laws, further aligning its legal framework with global best practices.(Generis Global Legal Services)
🔍 AI in the Legal Sector
While Dominica does not have specific AI legislation, there is an emerging interest in the application of AI within the legal sector. The Dominica Legal AI Market is projected to grow between 2025 and 2031, with applications such as e-discovery, legal research, compliance monitoring, document drafting, contract management, and legal chatbots gaining traction among law firms and corporate legal departments .(6Wresearch)
This growth indicates a recognition of the potential benefits of AI in enhancing efficiency and effectiveness within the legal domain, even in the absence of specific regulatory frameworks.
🧭 Path Forward
While Dominica has not yet enacted specific AI legislation, its existing data protection laws provide a foundational legal framework that addresses key aspects of AI, particularly regarding the handling of personal data. The country's participation in regional and international agreements further strengthens its commitment to aligning with global standards in data protection.(Generis Global Legal Services)
As AI technologies continue to evolve, it is anticipated that Dominica will consider the development of specific AI regulations to address emerging challenges and opportunities in the field.
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