Kazakhstan has become the first country in the region to adopt a specialized law on artificial intelligence and a Digital Code that comprehensively enshrines citizens' digital rights and establishes uniform rules for technology development. The new legislative framework aims to ensure the safe deployment of AI and strengthen personal data protection, according to infohub.kz.
One of the key milestones in digital legislation was the adoption of the AI law. "The document is the first specialized regulatory act of this level in the region and defines the basic principles for using AI technologies," the Kazakh Cabinet said. The law sets requirements for algorithm transparency, risk management, and protection of citizens' rights when AI is used in sensitive areas, including public administration, social policy, education, and healthcare.
The next important step was the adoption of the Digital Code on January 9, 2026. "The new document creates a unified approach to digital technology development and moves the country from implementing individual digital solutions to comprehensive digital transformation," the government said. One of the main innovations is the legislative enshrinement of digital human rights. "Citizens are now guaranteed the right to demand the deletion of their personal data, its anonymization, and restriction of information processing in cases provided for by law," the prime minister's press service explained. Additionally, the Digital Code establishes strict rules for biometric identification. "The use of biometric data is allowed only in cases directly stipulated by law, which aims to increase the level of personal information protection," the government warned.
To shape long-term state policy in AI, a Council for AI Development has been operating under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan since 2025. According to the Kazakh Cabinet, its members include prominent representatives of the global scientific and technological community, including AI expert Lee K., Turing Award winner John Hopcroft, University of California San Diego Chancellor Pradeep Khosla, MIT Media Lab research group director Steve Brizel, leading machine learning specialist Peter Norvig, as well as representatives of international organizations Al-Mazroui E. and Al-Olamu O. The second meeting of the Council was chaired by the head of state during the international technology forum GITEX AI Kazakhstan 2026, where further directions for AI development, digital economy, and improvement of the country's legislative framework were discussed.