Charting a Course for AI: Ukraine Introduces Plan for AI Regulatory Framework

On October 7, Ukraine's Ministry of Digital Transformation unveiled its strategy for regulating artificial intelligence (AI).

This plan, available on the ministry's official website, has two primary objectives. Firstly, it aims to assist local businesses in preparing for the adoption of legislation similar to the European Union's AI Act. Secondly, it seeks to educate the public about safeguarding themselves against potential AI-related risks.

The approach outlined in the roadmap emphasizes a gradual transition from minimal regulation to more comprehensive measures. It offers businesses the necessary tools and resources to ready themselves for forthcoming legal requirements before any such laws are enacted.

The roadmap also establishes an initial period, allowing companies to adapt to potential legislation over the next two to three years.

Oleksandr Borniakov, Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation, outlined their strategy, saying, "We intend to cultivate a culture of self-regulation within the business community. This includes endorsing voluntary codes of conduct that demonstrate a commitment to ethical AI utilization. Another instrument is a White Paper, designed to acquaint businesses with the approach, timeline, and stages of regulatory implementation." According to the roadmap, the draft of Ukraine's AI legislation is anticipated in 2024, ensuring alignment with the EU's AI Act.

It is worth noting that in June, the European Parliament passed the EU AI Act. Once enacted, this legislation will prohibit specific AI services and products while imposing limitations or constraints on others.

Technologies like biometric surveillance, social scoring systems, predictive policing, "emotion recognition," and untargeted facial recognition systems will be outright banned.

Generative AI models, such as OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Bard, will be permitted to operate under the condition that their outputs are clearly identified as AI-generated.