Artificial Intelligence law at Réunion (France)

As of May 2025, La Réunion, an overseas department and region of France, does not have specific local legislation governing artificial intelligence (AI). However, being an integral part of France, La Réunion is subject to French national laws and regulations, including those related to AI.(Wikipedia)

National AI Framework in France

France has been proactive in establishing a national AI strategy. In 2018, the French government launched the "AI for Humanity" strategy, focusing on research, ethics, and industrial development. This strategy laid the groundwork for subsequent initiatives aimed at regulating and promoting AI technologies.

In February 2025, France co-hosted the AI Action Summit in Paris, alongside India. The summit culminated in the adoption of the "Statement on Inclusive and Sustainable Artificial Intelligence for People and the Planet," signed by 58 countries, including France. This declaration emphasizes principles such as accessibility, transparency, ethics, safety, and international cooperation in AI development .(Wikipedia)

Additionally, France announced the establishment of Current AI, a $400 million foundation aimed at supporting the creation of AI "public goods," including high-quality datasets and open-source tools .(Wikipedia)

Local AI Initiatives in La Réunion

While there is no specific AI legislation in La Réunion, local initiatives are emerging to promote AI development and ethical considerations:

Artificial Intelligence Réunion Association: Founded in 2023, this association brings together local developers and users of AI to promote a local AI ecosystem and advocate for ethical and useful applications tailored to the territory. The association organizes conferences and workshops to demystify AI and explore its impact on various professions .(Leader Réunion)

Academic Conferences: In October 2024, the University of La Réunion hosted a conference titled "Digital technology and the overseas territories of the European Union," focusing on digital issues in La Réunion and Mayotte. The conference aimed to foster a comparative approach to digital challenges and opportunities in these territories .

Conclusion

While La Réunion does not have specific local AI legislation, it is subject to France's national AI policies and regulations. Local initiatives are emerging to promote AI development and ethical considerations, aligning with national efforts to ensure that AI technologies are developed responsibly and inclusively.

Reuters
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