Artificial Intelligence law at Northern Mariana Islands (US)
As of May 2025, the Northern Mariana Islands (NMI), a U.S. territory in the Pacific, do not have specific legislation or regulations dedicated solely to artificial intelligence (AI). However, the region is actively engaging in broader digital governance initiatives that encompass AI-related considerations.
🇺🇸 U.S. Federal AI Oversight
The NMI is subject to U.S. federal laws and policies, including those related to AI. The U.S. government has been developing national AI strategies, such as the National AI Initiative Act, which aims to promote AI research and development, ensure ethical standards, and address workforce implications. These federal initiatives provide a framework within which the NMI operates, influencing its approach to AI governance.
🏛️ Constitutional and Legal Foundations
The Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, adopted in 1983, guarantees fundamental rights and liberties, including the right to privacy and the confidentiality of correspondence. These constitutional provisions provide a foundation for developing laws and regulations that govern AI and digital technologies, ensuring that they align with human rights standards. (Refworld)
📡 Digital Infrastructure and AI Readiness
The NMI is making strides in enhancing its digital infrastructure, which is essential for AI development. According to DataReportal, in early 2025, there were 38.8 thousand cellular mobile connections and 26.2 thousand internet users in the NMI, indicating a growing digital presence. This digital expansion provides a foundation for future AI applications in areas such as healthcare, education, and public services. (DataReportal – Global Digital Insights)
🧠 AI Initiatives and Academic Engagement
Academic institutions in the NMI are actively engaging with AI research and its implications. For instance, the Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) hosted a workshop on "Rights to Personal Data Protection," focusing on the intersection of AI, data privacy, and human rights. Experts discussed the relationship between the right to information and personal data, as well as the protection of personal data within the scope of personality rights. These discussions are vital for developing an AI governance framework that respects individual rights and freedoms.
🌐 Regional Collaboration and Strategic Vision
The NMI is aligning its digital transformation efforts with broader regional initiatives. In June 2024, the NMI hosted the Ufuk 2033 Information Island Cyprus Vision Workshop, aiming to lay out goals for technological advances in information technology and communications. This workshop emphasized the importance of becoming a technology, innovation, and cooperation hub, with support from Türkiye. Such initiatives indicate a commitment to developing a robust digital infrastructure that can support AI technologies.
⚖️ Legal and Ethical Considerations
While the NMI does not yet have a specific AI law, its existing legal framework addresses aspects pertinent to AI deployment:
Personal Data Protection: The Law on Personal Data Protection, effective from May 2022, regulates the collection, processing, and use of personal data, ensuring privacy and data security in AI applications.
Digital Transformation Laws: The government has enacted laws on Public Information, Cybersecurity, Digital Signatures, and Virtual Asset Service Providers, providing a foundation for digital governance and the ethical use of technology.
These legal instruments are integral to establishing a secure and ethical environment for AI development and deployment in the NMI.
🧭 Future Outlook
The NMI's proactive approach to digital governance, through the development of a national strategy and international collaborations, positions the region to leverage AI for sustainable development and economic diversification. The integration of AI into key sectors, supported by a robust legal framework, will be pivotal in realizing the potential benefits of AI technologies.
RELATED Blog
0 comments