Panama: Recent Progress in Tech Policy

Panama

Panama currently lacks a dedicated AI policy. Howevever country's "Personal Data Protection Law" (Bill N°81, March 29, 2021) acts as a foundational element for regulating the use of AI by establishing guidelines for personal data protection, which is crucial for responsible AI development and deployment; there are ongoing discussions to further refine this law to better address AI-specific concerns and promote wider citizen participation in the debate around AI regulation.

Below are other key initiatives in tech policy for the country:

Draft Bill N°162 of 2024

• This bill aims to establish the legal framework for the promotion and development of Artificial Intelligence in the Republic of Panama. Although it has not yet reached its first debate in Congress, it is actively discussed by researchers, government institutions, and the private sector. However, many view it as a project that may not contribute to the development of proper AI regulation, as it presents several weaknesses.

Regulatory Sandoxes

• In collaboration with the Berkman Klein Center, the National Secretariat of Science (SENACYT) plans to implement a regulatory sandbox involving specific government institutions and private sectors.