AI Regulation in Kazakhstan

AI regulation in Kazakhstan is rapidly evolving as the country positions itself as an emerging leader in AI governance within Central Asia. Kazakhstan is transitioning from conceptual approaches to a comprehensive national strategy with legislative backing, expected to be fully implemented by 2025. This regulatory evolution aims to balance innovation with ethical considerations, ensuring AI development benefits Kazakhstan's economic and social development while maintaining appropriate safeguards.

As organizations deploy AI systems in Kazakhstan, understanding the current and emerging regulatory landscape is essential for compliance and responsible innovation. This guide explores the key aspects of AI regulation in Kazakhstan, highlighting important considerations for businesses and stakeholders.

 

The Current State of AI Regulation in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan's regulatory framework currently operates under its 'Concept for a Legal Policy until 2030,' which acknowledges the need for comprehensive AI governance. While specific AI regulation in Kazakhstan is still developing, the country has taken significant steps toward establishing a robust framework:

 

• A draft "Artificial Intelligence Law" is expected to be implemented by the first half of 2025, as announced by Minister of Digital Development, Innovations, and Aerospace Industry, Zhaslan Madiyev.
• The AI and Innovation Development Committee, led by Gizzat Baitursynov, is spearheading the transition from concept to national strategy.
• The Mazhilis (lower house of Parliament) is currently reviewing proposed legislation that includes classification systems and ethical guidelines.

 

The draft legislation addresses several critical components of AI governance, including the labeling of AI-generated content, ethical norms, and defined legal responsibilities for AI system owners, users, and developers.

 

Key Elements of Kazakhstan's AI Regulatory Framework

 

The proposed legislation introduces a tiered approach based on risk levels:

• High-risk systems: AI applications that impact human life, health, or are used in public administration will face strict regulatory oversight.
• Medium-risk systems: These applications require oversight but with fewer restrictions.
• Low-risk systems: AI systems in this category can be developed with minimal regulatory intervention.

 

This classification approach aligns with international best practices, particularly the EU AI Act, while being tailored to Kazakhstan's specific context and priorities.

 

Data Protection Within AI Regulation in Kazakhstan

While Kazakhstan lacks AI-specific data protection regulations, its comprehensive Personal Data Protection Law imposes significant limitations on AI applications. Key considerations include:

• AI systems using biometric data must obtain explicit consent.
• Recent court cases demonstrate that companies are held accountable for violations of data protection laws.
• The existing framework creates implicit boundaries for AI development and deployment, particularly regarding data collection and processing.

 

Organizations developing or implementing AI solutions must ensure compliance with these data protection requirements, even as more specific AI regulation in Kazakhstan emerges.

 

National AI Infrastructure Supporting Kazakhstan's Regulatory Approach

Kazakhstan is building robust infrastructure to support AI innovation and compliance with emerging regulations:

• The National AI Platform provides centralized access to data, computing resources, and pre-trained models.
• A Kazakh-language AI model trained on 148 billion tokens was launched in December 2024, supporting linguistic inclusivity.
• Nearly 2,000 civil servants and public-sector employees have received AI-related training to build operational expertise.

 

These initiatives demonstrate Kazakhstan's commitment to developing both the technological and human capital necessary for responsible AI implementation within the regulatory framework in Kazakhstan.

 

Intellectual Property Considerations in AI Regulation in Kazakhstan

 

The intersection of AI and intellectual property rights presents unique challenges under Kazakhstan's regulatory system:

• Intellectual property is defined as a "creation of the human mind" in Kazakhstan.
• Current law defines an author as a "person," meaning AI systems cannot be listed as authors or co-authors.
• This approach aligns with international trends, as seen in the United States and European Union.

 

As AI-generated content becomes more prevalent, AI regulation in Kazakhstan will need to address these intellectual property considerations more explicitly, balancing innovation with traditional legal concepts.

 

Liability Framework

One of the most complex aspects of regulation is determining liability for harm caused by AI systems. Kazakhstan is addressing this challenge through several approaches:

• The government is considering a comprehensive digital code that would provide a framework for AI liability.
• The draft legislation aims to establish clear guidelines for determining responsibility, including the type of damage, nature of liability, and required evidence.
• A complete ban on fully autonomous AI systems that operate without human oversight is being proposed to reduce risk.

 

These measures reflect Kazakhstan's cautious approach to ensuring human agency and oversight remain central to AI deployment under its developing regulatory framework.

 

Ethical Standards Within Kazakhstan's AI Regulation Framework

Ethics forms a cornerstone of Kazakhstan's emerging regulatory approach:

• The draft legislation includes ethical norms aimed at mitigating misuse and ensuring public trust.
• Proposed restrictions on AI applications that assess individuals based on social, biometric, or behavioral characteristics.
• Potential ban on AI technologies designed to manipulate human behavior.

 

These ethical guardrails align with UNESCO's emphasis on AI ethics in Kazakhstan, which promotes responsible AI development that respects human rights and dignity within the national regulatory framework.

 

Compliance Challenges Under AI Governance in Kazakhstan

Organizations operating in Kazakhstan face both challenges and opportunities in navigating the evolving regulatory landscape:

• The transition period between current frameworks and forthcoming legislation requires adaptive compliance strategies.
• Companies must balance innovation with adherence to emerging standards.
• Early adopters of robust AI governance may gain competitive advantages as regulations formalize.

 

Proactive engagement with AI regulatory compliance can position organizations favorably as Kazakhstan's regulatory framework matures.

 

International Alignment of AI Regulation in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan's regulatory development does not exist in isolation but reflects and adapts international best practices:

• The approach shares similarities with the EU's risk-based classification system.
• Data protection provisions align with global trends toward stronger safeguards.
• The focus on human oversight echoes concerns raised in multiple international frameworks.

 

This alignment facilitates global AI governance while addressing Kazakhstan's specific needs and priorities within its national regulatory context.

 

Regulatory Horizon: AI Governance in Kazakhstan

As Kazakhstan continues to develop its regulatory framework, organizations should:

• Monitor legislative developments, particularly the expected AI law in 2025.
• Assess AI applications against the proposed risk classification system.
• Ensure compliance with existing data protection requirements.
• Invest in human oversight capabilities for AI systems.
• Engage with the National AI Platform and other government initiatives.

 

By taking a proactive approach to compliance and governance, organizations can navigate Kazakhstan's evolving AI regulation landscape while contributing to the responsible development of AI technologies in the region.

For expert guidance on AI regulatory compliance in Kazakhstan and beyond, contact our team to discuss your specific needs and challenges in meeting the requirements of AI regulation in Kazakhstan.