Artificial Intelligence law at Dominican Republic
As of May 2025, the Dominican Republic is actively developing a comprehensive legal and strategic framework to regulate artificial intelligence (AI), positioning itself as a regional leader in AI governance.
🇩🇴 National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (ENIA)
In October 2023, the Dominican Republic launched its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (ENIA), marking it as the first Caribbean nation to implement such a plan. ENIA is part of the broader National Innovation Policy 2030 and the Digital Agenda 2030, aiming to integrate AI across various sectors, including healthcare, education, justice, and public administration. The strategy focuses on responsible AI use, ethical considerations, and fostering public-private partnerships to drive innovation and development .(DR1, Digital Watch Observatory)
🏛️ Legislative Developments
In February 2025, Congressman Tobías Crespo introduced the first AI-specific bill in the Dominican Congress. The proposed legislation seeks to establish legal safeguards, codes of conduct, and an appeals process for AI applications. Key provisions include:(DR1)
Establishment of the National Council for Artificial Intelligence (CONIA): Responsible for planning, organizing, administering, monitoring, and overseeing AI systems and their applications.(DR1)
Prohibition of specific AI uses: Including military applications, manipulative practices, social scoring, real-time biometric identification in public spaces, and emotion detection.(DR1)
Promotion of ethical AI development: Encouraging AI systems that respect human dignity, autonomy, and fundamental rights .(DR1)
This bill is currently under review in the Chamber of Deputies and represents a significant step toward formalizing AI regulation in the country.(DR1)
🏥 AI in Healthcare
The Dominican Republic is also adapting its healthcare policies to incorporate AI. The Ministry of Public Health announced plans to update Health Law 42-01 to include ethical regulatory frameworks for AI in healthcare. This initiative is part of a broader digital health transformation program, "Salud 2030," which includes the implementation of electronic medical records, AI training for healthcare professionals, and the promotion of public-private sector collaboration .(Dominican Today)
🌐 Regional Leadership and Global Recognition
The Dominican Republic has been recognized for its commitment to responsible AI. It ranks 50th globally and 7th among 33 Latin American and Caribbean countries in the Global Responsible AI Index (GIRAI), reflecting its dedication to ethical AI development .(Dominican Today)
Additionally, the country will host the Third Ministerial Summit on AI Ethics in 2025, reinforcing its leadership role in promoting ethical AI practices in the region .(Dominican Today)
⚖️ Press Freedom Concerns
While the Dominican Republic advances in AI regulation, there are concerns about the implications of its National Intelligence Law (Law 1-24), enacted in January 2024. The Inter American Press Association (IAPA) has expressed concerns that the law could negatively impact press freedom and the confidentiality of journalistic sources due to its broad scope and potential for misuse .(Inter American Press Association, LatAm Journal Review)
✅ Summary
National Strategy: The Dominican Republic has implemented the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (ENIA) to guide the ethical and responsible use of AI.(DR1)
Legislative Efforts: A bill to regulate AI applications is under consideration in Congress, aiming to establish legal safeguards and ethical standards.(DR1)
Healthcare Integration: Plans are underway to update health laws to incorporate AI, enhancing digital health transformation.(Dominican Today)
Regional Leadership: The country is recognized for its commitment to responsible AI and will host the Third Ministerial Summit on AI Ethics.(Dominican Today)
Press Freedom Concerns: The National Intelligence Law raises potential issues regarding press freedom and source confidentiality.(Inter American Press Association)
The Dominican Republic's proactive approach to AI regulation and development positions it as a leader in the Caribbean and Latin America, balancing innovation with ethical considerations.
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