Past, Present & Future of AI in Serbia

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to develop at an unprecedented pace, it is becoming increasingly clear that governments need to implement regulations to ensure that its use remains ethical and safe. Serbia, like many other countries, is grappling with the challenges posed by AI and is working to develop a regulatory framework to govern its use. In this article, we will examine the current state of AI regulation in Serbia and the steps that are being taken to regulate its use.

The Current State of AI Regulation in Serbia

As of now, there is no specific legislation in Serbia that directly regulates the use of AI. However, there are several existing legal frameworks that apply to AI use. For instance, the Serbian Constitution provides for the protection of privacy and personal data. Additionally, the Law on Personal Data Protection (LDPP) outlines the procedures for the processing and protection of personal data, which is especially relevant in the context of AI systems that use personal data. Furthermore, the Law on Electronic Communications and the Law on Electronic Signature also have provisions that could apply to AI.

Serbia has also ratified several international treaties that address AI-related issues, such as the Convention for the Protection of Individuals with regard to Automatic Processing of Personal Data (Convention 108) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). These treaties provide guidelines and principles for the development of AI regulatory frameworks that protect individuals’ rights and freedoms.

Steps Toward AI Regulation in Serbia

The Serbian government has recognized the need to regulate AI and is taking steps to do so. In 2019, the Serbian Ministry of Trade, Tourism, and Telecommunications established a working group on AI to develop a national AI strategy. The strategy aims to provide a comprehensive framework for the development and regulation of AI in Serbia, taking into account ethical, legal, and social implications. The strategy also seeks to foster innovation and promote the use of AI in various sectors of the economy.

In addition to the national strategy, the Serbian government has also established a regulatory sandbox for AI. The sandbox is designed to provide a controlled environment for testing new AI products and services, allowing businesses to experiment with AI technologies without being subject to full regulatory compliance. The sandbox is intended to encourage innovation and help businesses comply with future regulations.

Furthermore, the Serbian government has initiated a public consultation process to gather input from stakeholders on the development of AI regulation. The public consultation is intended to ensure that the regulatory framework reflects the needs and concerns of various stakeholders, including businesses, civil society organizations, and individuals.

Conclusion

As AI technology continues to advance, the need for regulation becomes more urgent. Serbia, like many other countries, is working to develop a regulatory framework that balances the benefits of AI with the need to protect individuals’ rights and freedoms. Although there is currently no specific legislation in Serbia that regulates AI, the government has taken several steps toward developing a comprehensive regulatory framework. With the establishment of a national AI strategy, a regulatory sandbox for testing AI products, and a public consultation process, Serbia is moving in the right direction toward creating a legal framework that fosters innovation while ensuring ethical and safe use of AI.