AI REGULATIONS IN HUNGARY

Hungary has made significant strides in establishing a robust framework for AI regulation, aiming to foster innovation, ensure ethical standards, and promote the responsible use of artificial intelligence across various sectors. One of the key initiatives in this regard is The Mathematical Foundations of AI project, conducted from 2018 to 2021 by the Rényi Alfred Mathematical Research Institute, focuses on bridging network theory and deep learning. This project aims to address fundamental questions in AI, contributing to the theoretical underpinnings essential for advancing AI technologies.

The AI in Practice website, launched in 2019 by the AI Coalition of Hungary (MIK), serves as a self-service platform where developers can showcase local case studies. This initiative aims to raise awareness of AI applicability in business, fostering a digital ecosystem for AI. In 2019, the AI Coalition of Hungary also adapted the EU guidelines for AI ethical development to the Hungarian context. These AI Ethical Guidelines provide clear directives for AI development and application, ensuring that AI technologies are developed in a manner consistent with human-centered values, fairness, and fostering a digital ecosystem for AI.

Then, National Laboratory for Autonomous Vehicles, launched in 2020 by the Ministry for Innovation and Technology (MIT) and the National Research, Development and Innovation Office (NRDIO). This consortium, led by the Institute for Computer Science and Control (SZTAKI) with participation from the Budapest University of Technology and Economics and Széchenyi University of Győr, focuses on providing innovative autonomous solutions for road vehicles, aircraft, and mobile robots. The laboratory emphasizes research, development, and demonstration of experimental vehicles, cyber-physical manufacturing, and logistics systems, aligning with the OECD AI principle of robustness, security, and safety.

The National AI Laboratory (MILAB), also established in 2020 by MIT and NRDIO, serves as a national umbrella for collaboration among major research centers, universities, and large-scale national programs. MILAB coordinates efforts between basic and applied research institutes, the market, and the international research community, focusing on areas such as deep learning, natural language processing, medical and biological applications, biometric applications, data processing technologies for personal data protection, and applications in the agri-food industry, transport, manufacturing, defense, and telecommunications. This initiative aligns with several OECD AI principles, including fostering a digital ecosystem for AI, providing an enabling policy environment, and building human capacity.

Hungary’s AI strategy, outlined by the Ministry for Innovation and Technology in 2020 and set to extend to 2030, provides a comprehensive strategic vision and policy actions for AI development. The strategy supports the entire AI value chain, from data generation and management to practical AI applications, strengthening the foundations of Hungary’s AI ecosystem. It emphasizes data economy, research development and innovation, AI uptake, education, infrastructure deployment, and regulatory and ethical frameworks. The strategy includes transformative programs with long-term goals, such as autonomous systems, health-consciousness in a digital world, climate-driven agriculture, personalized services, and energy networks focused on renewable sources. This aligns with OECD AI principles like inclusive growth, human-centered values, transparency, and international cooperation for trustworthy AI.

The AI Regulation and Ethics Knowledge Centre, established in 2020 by MIT and the Ministry of Justice, coordinates the development of AI regulation and addresses legal and ethical issues related to AI. The Centre creates a pool of experts to resolve these matters, ensuring that AI development aligns with human-centered values and fairness, as well as providing an enabling policy environment for AI.

Finally, the AI Action Plan, announced in 2020 by the Ministry for Innovation and Technology, represents the first pillar of Hungary’s national AI strategy. The Action Plan aims to define and form the institutional framework of the Hungarian data market and AI ecosystem. It emphasizes the collaborative, responsible development and use of AI, ensuring that AI technologies serve everyday needs effectively and ethically within a formalized structure.

These comprehensive initiatives reflect Hungary’s commitment to developing a robust and ethical AI landscape, promoting innovation, and aligning with international best practices and standards. The collaborative efforts among governmental bodies, research institutions, and international organizations underscore Hungary’s proactive stance in fostering a responsible and inclusive AI environment that benefits society and drives economic growth. Through these initiatives, Hungary aims to position itself as a leader in AI innovation and governance, ensuring that AI technologies are developed and deployed in a manner that upholds ethical standards and maximizes societal benefits.