Türkiye prepares legal framework for artificial intelligence

Türkiye is establishing a legal and ethical framework for artificial intelligence (AI), with efforts supported by both national and international experts.

As part of this initiative, 14 international researchers experienced in AI have arrived in Türkiye under the support of TUBITAK, according to a recent statement from Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacir.

Responding to a written inquiry from CHP Istanbul Deputy Zeynel Emre, Minister Kacir outlined the steps Türkiye is taking to regulate and guide the development of AI technologies. This includes the formation of two key working groups: the “Trustworthy and Responsible AI Working Group” under the Ministry of Industry and Technology and the “AI Law and Ethics Working Group” under the Ministry of Justice.

“These groups aim to balance the positive and negative impacts of AI technologies on society, steering technological advancements within an ethical framework,” said Kacir.

Establishment of an expert committee

Kacir also noted that an expert committee will be formed to establish technical and ethical standards for AI models developed in Türkiye. The National AI Strategy 2024-2025 Action Plan includes these efforts, with the committee focusing on AI systems, software, and robots’ ethical impact assessments.

The committee will consist of professionals from various fields, including AI system engineers, data scientists, technology law experts, and social scientists specializing in areas such as gender, race, language, religion, and cultural diversity. The committee will draw members from the public sector, universities, private industry, and NGOs in Türkiye, along with a Turkish diaspora advisory group.

Increasing focus on AI in Türkiye

Minister Kacir emphasized the rapid growth of AI research and academic work in Türkiye, noting a sharp rise in the number of theses and graduates in the field. More than 10,000 academic theses have been written on AI, with 2,439 master’s and 1,055 doctoral graduates among the 3,494 graduates to date.

The country now offers eight undergraduate AI programs, with 100 postgraduate programs, showcasing a growing focus on AI education.

Training for legal AI experts

On the legal front, the Türkiye Justice Academy has begun providing AI-related training for judges, prosecutors, and candidates. Minister Kacir highlighted the importance of enhancing the quality and quantity of human resources in the legal field as a strategic priority.