Artificial Intelligence law at Tanzania
Tanzania is actively developing a legal and regulatory framework to govern the use of artificial intelligence (AI), aiming to balance innovation with privacy, security, and ethical considerations.
🇹🇿 Current Legal Landscape
As of now, Tanzania lacks a dedicated AI law. However, several existing laws and initiatives intersect with AI development:
Personal Data Protection Act (2022): Regulates the collection, processing, and storage of personal data, impacting AI systems that handle such information.(KG Partners)
Cybercrimes Act (2015): Addresses offenses related to computer systems and information communication technologies, providing a framework for dealing with issues like unauthorized access and data breaches. (Wikipedia)
National IT Policy (2004): Recognizes the rapid advancements in science and technology, including AI, and the need to update the policy accordingly. (The Citizen)
These laws are being reviewed and updated to accommodate emerging technologies like AI. The Ministry of Information, Communication, and Information Technology is coordinating efforts to prepare standards for the use of recent technologies, including AI. (IPP Media)
⚖️ Ongoing Developments and Initiatives
AI Governance for Tanzania Initiative (2022): Established under the Digital Agenda for Tanzania program, this initiative is dedicated to fostering a robust ecosystem for AI technology while ensuring ethical, transparent, and equitable AI deployment. (digitalagendainitiative)
Judiciary AI Integration: The Tanzanian judiciary has introduced AI into its transcriptions and translations system to enhance court efficiency. This initiative aims to alleviate the workload on judges and magistrates by automating the transcription process. (Michalsons)
Swahili AI Model Development: The Information and Communication Technologies Commission (ICTC) has partnered with an Italian company to develop a Swahili version of artificial intelligence for use in Tanzania’s public sector. This collaboration aims to enhance digitization efforts by incorporating Swahili, improving administrative processes and citizen interactions. (The Citizen)
🛡️ Calls for Robust AI Regulation
Experts and stakeholders have emphasized the need for a comprehensive legal framework to govern AI usage in Tanzania. They advocate for measures to protect consumers from potential risks associated with AI, such as privacy violations and exploitation. The Fair Competition Tribunal and academic professionals have highlighted the importance of establishing legal and ethical frameworks for the development and deployment of AI. (IPP Media, IPP Media)
🔮 Looking Ahead
Tanzania is in the process of developing rules and guidelines to manage and protect the public against the use of emerging technologies, including AI. The government is investing in infrastructure, equipment, and expertise development at various levels to cope with the pace of technological advancements. (The Citizen)
These efforts indicate a commitment to creating a balanced environment where AI can thrive while safeguarding public interests.
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