Artificial Intelligence law at Faroe Islands (Denmark)
The Faroe Islands, a self-governing nation within the Kingdom of Denmark, are actively developing a framework for artificial intelligence (AI) that aligns with European standards while addressing their unique cultural and linguistic context.(Wikipedia)
🇫🇴 National AI Strategy and Policy
As of May 2025, the Faroe Islands have not enacted a standalone national AI law. However, the government has initiated discussions and collaborations to integrate AI into public policy. Notably, in September 2024, a coalition of civic institutions and organizations in the Faroe Islands issued a public letter urging the government to prioritize AI. The letter emphasized the importance of developing AI policies that preserve the Faroese language, culture, and public services, and called for the establishment of a dedicated governmental body to oversee AI initiatives. (Medium)
🇪🇺 Alignment with European and Nordic Standards
While not an EU member, the Faroe Islands maintain close ties with European regulatory frameworks:
Data Protection: The Faroese Data Protection Act, adopted in 2021, aligns closely with the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). In January 2024, the European Commission confirmed that the Faroe Islands continue to provide an adequate level of data protection, facilitating the free flow of personal data between the EU and the Faroe Islands. (government.fo)
Nordic-Baltic Cooperation: In May 2018, the Faroe Islands joined other Nordic and Baltic nations in adopting the Declaration on AI in the Nordic-Baltic Region. This declaration outlines objectives such as improving skills development, enhancing data access, and developing ethical guidelines for AI. (OECD.AI)
Children's Data Protection: In May 2024, the Nordic Data Protection Authorities, including the Faroe Islands, issued a joint declaration focusing on the protection of children's data in areas like gaming and AI. The declaration emphasizes the need for supervisory structures and responsible data processing in compliance with the GDPR. (DPA)
🧠 Capacity Building and Collaboration
The Faroe Islands are investing in digital infrastructure to support AI development:
Digital Infrastructure: The Faroe Islands have implemented the X-Road data exchange layer, enabling secure data exchange within the country and with other Nordic nations. In 2019, they partnered with the Nordic Institute for Interoperability Solutions to enhance this infrastructure. (government.fo)
International Collaboration: The Faroe Islands are exploring cooperation with regions like Catalonia to develop government policies in e-governance and the digital economy, including areas like AI and data protection. (government.fo)
⚖️ Ethical Considerations and Public Discourse
There is a growing public discourse on the ethical implications of AI in the Faroe Islands:
Cultural Preservation: Institutions have expressed concerns about the potential impact of AI on the Faroese language and culture, advocating for policies that ensure AI development respects and preserves these aspects. (Medium)
🔭 Future Outlook
The Faroe Islands are at a pivotal point in developing an AI framework that balances innovation with cultural preservation. While they have not yet enacted comprehensive AI legislation, their alignment with European standards and active participation in Nordic collaborations position them to develop a robust and ethical AI policy in the near future.
RELATED Blog
0 comments