Chile: Recent Progress in Tech Policy
Chile
Chile’s approach to AI regulation and policy is setting a precedent in Latin America, signaling a potential shift toward a more balanced and adaptive regulatory framework for AI. The focus on human-centered AI, ethical governance, and sector-specific regulation could influence on countries in the region to adopt similar strategies. The below initiatives have helped Chile maintain its position as the leading country in Latin America on the Latin American AI Index (CENIA, 2023). The country’s strategic focus areas include data infrastructure, the cultivation of advanced human capital, AI research, and connectivity, all of which are crucial for AI leadership.
Bill 16821-19 (2024)
Chile’s Executive Branch submitted its draft bill on Artificial Intelligence (Bill 16821-19), with a strong emphasis on AI governance and ethical uses. This bill builds on the AI recommendations provided by UNESCO and aims to promote the creation, development, and implementation of human-centered AI systems that align with societal values and ethical principles.
The bill has received unanimous approval from the Futures Committee. After collecting public submissions through October 2024, the Science and Technology Committee of the Chamber of Deputies began voting on individual provisions of the bill.
As of January 2025, the committee is still refining the bill to incorporate feedback from the private sector, signaling a more collaborative approach to AI regulation. Once finalized, the bill will be voted on by the committee, after which it will move to the Hououse plenary for final approval
National AI Policy and Advancements:
Chile introduced its first National AI Policy in 2021, which has been instrumental in the country’s AI growth. Key milestones under this policy include:
Establishment of the National Center for Artificial Intelligence
Introduction of AI-focused doctoral scholarships through the National Agency for Research and Development
The rollout of 5G networks, which is essential for AI deployment and innovation.
The launch of the first AI doctorate program in both Chile and Latin America.
The Ethical Algorithms Project, which explores the development of algorithms that uphold ethical standards in AI deployment.
International Collaboration and AI Governance:
In October 2024, Chile’s Ministry of Finance participated in a UK-led mission on AI governance and regulation, joining other Latin American nations in discussions about responsible AI adoption and data management in both the public and private sectors.
The insights gained from this mission are expected to influence Chile’s ongoing nation strategies, such as the development of its State Data Strategy and upcoming digital governance regulations. Notably, the UK’s less stringent, pro-innovation regulatory approach to AI contrasts with the EU’s stricter regulatory model. Chile’s engagement with the UK suggests that it may prioritize a more flexible, sector-specific approach to AI regulation, which could serve as a model for other countries in the region.
CEINA: https://indicelatam.cl/home-en-2024/