AI Protection Regulation Algeria (African Union)

Algeria has not yet developed any comprehensive or specific laws for artificial intelligence. Still, similar to other nations, Algeria is just beginning to realize the importance of Artificial Intelligence in various sectors including industries, health, and governance. As the focus in Algeria has been on transitioning into a digital and technological era, such a focus may eventually be concentrated on more specific regulations related to AI.

Algeria is invested through a Data Protection Law, or specifically, by Law No. 18-07, 2018, which governs the collection, processing, and storage of personal data—probably not AI-specific but potentially has an impact for AI applications, particularly those with personal data. It is aimed at governing the protection of personal data, marking a wide step toward compliance with global standards of data protection, since it lays down rules comprehensively regarding how personal data is supposed to be collected, processed, stored, and shared, making sure that respect is given to the right to privacy of the individual. The provisions provide substance to the identity of an entity or organization that is dealing with personal information, focusing on the necessity for explicit consent from people whose personal information is being processed.

The African Union, as an organization, has been on the forefront of advancing digital transformation with the adoption of the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa 2020-2030 and the realization of the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA. These initiatives are in an effort to have an all-inclusive single African digital arena that will spearhead economic growth, create jobs, and improve the quality of life of the African people.

The DTS 2020-2030 is centered on a completely integrated, inclusive digital society and economy for Africa, driven by digital technologies, which can be utilized to enhance the lives of citizens and reinforce the continent’s positioning in the global economy. Such a vision is inclined and articulated on how to realize a secure Digital Single Market by the year 2030, which harmonizes policies, regulations, and investment environments across Africa where this is achieved through an empowered citizenry that has acquired digital skills to ensure broad participation in the digital economy. Another very critical aspect of the DTS, therefore, is the strengthening of cybersecurity and data protection measures for digital ecosystems and individual privacy and rather, it is based on digital sovereignty, whereby Africa is to have full control over its digital infrastructure and data. As a consequence of this approach, a great deal of opportunities for scaling tech start-ups and e-businesses will be created within one single, interconnected market.

The AI Data Policy Framework 2022 complements this DTS by focusing on using the transformative potential that lies within data to benefit African nations, considering that the main interest is directed at creating a trusted, secure, and harmonized data governance system across the continent. Another key element is the promotion of free cross-border data flows, thereby ensuring the movement of data moves without any obstacle within Africa, while at the same time being protected with robust safeguards against privacy violations and national security risks. The policy also aims to see that the gains from using the data are equitably distributed in different regions and populations in Africa and in furtherance of this, the framework promotes strong institutions for governance of overseeing data management in such a way that responsible and innovative use is combined with due respect for human rights.