Artificial Intelligence law at Palestine
As of May 2025, Palestine is actively developing a national framework for artificial intelligence (AI) governance, focusing on ethical standards, data protection, and regional collaboration.
National AI Strategy and Legal Framework
In June 2023, the Palestinian Cabinet approved the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, aiming to establish a sustainable AI industry encompassing skills development, technological infrastructure, and research. The strategy's vision is to position Palestine as a globally distinguished entity in AI, fostering economic gains and new growth areas .(SpringerLink)
The Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technology (MTIT) is leading the implementation of this strategy, which includes:(UNESCWA)
National AI Team: A dedicated team overseeing AI policy development and implementation.
AI Ethical Charter: A draft charter outlining ethical guidelines for AI use.
Digital Palestine Agenda 2030: A comprehensive plan integrating AI into national development goals .
Regional Collaboration and International Engagement
Palestine is actively participating in regional AI initiatives. In December 2023, it presented its National AI Strategy at the fourth meeting of the Unified Arab Team for Artificial Intelligence in Egypt. Additionally, Palestine contributed to the development of the Arab Charter for AI Ethics, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in AI deployment .(ai.gov.ps, ai.gov.ps)
Data Protection and Privacy Concerns
Despite these advancements, there are concerns regarding data protection and privacy. Palestine lacks comprehensive data protection legislation, and existing laws do not adequately address the challenges posed by AI technologies. A 2021 study by 7amleh highlighted the absence of laws keeping pace with AI developments, leading to potential privacy violations .(SpringerLink)
AI Applications and Initiatives
Palestinian institutions are exploring AI applications across various sectors:
Legal Aid: AI models are being trained to understand Palestinian legal language, assisting in legal aid services despite challenges like limited resources and data availability .(Simple Science)
Open Data Initiatives: The MTIT launched an open data portal to facilitate access to governmental and economic data, promoting transparency and public engagement .(menaobservatory.ai)
Challenges and Future Directions
Palestine faces several challenges in AI development:
Infrastructure Limitations: The majority of information and communication technology infrastructure remains under Israeli control, complicating the enactment and enforcement of data protection legislation .(menaobservatory.ai)
Legal Gaps: Existing laws, such as the Cybercrime Law, have been criticized for restricting free speech and not adequately addressing AI-related issues .(Transparency International)
To address these challenges, experts recommend:
Developing Comprehensive Data Protection Laws: Implementing legislation that aligns with international standards to safeguard personal data.
Enhancing AI Education and Capacity Building: Investing in education and training to build a skilled AI workforce.
Strengthening Regional Cooperation: Collaborating with neighboring countries and international organizations to share knowledge and resources.
In summary, while Palestine is making significant strides in AI governance, addressing data protection and privacy concerns remains crucial for the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies.
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