In August 2021, Austria presented its national AI strategy, "Artificial Intelligence Mission Austria 2030" (AIM AT 2030). The strategy focuses on three main objectives: promoting broad use of AI oriented to the common good, positioning Austria as an innovation location for AI in key areas and fields of strength, and securing Austria's competitiveness through the development and use of AI.
The Austrian strategy aligns closely with the European AI strategy, emphasising both an ecosystem for trust and an ecosystem for excellence. It adopts a human-centered approach to AI, aiming to support fundamental European values and guarantee fundamental rights such as privacy and equality.
As an EU member state, Austria is subject to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The country has also implemented the Austrian Data Protection Act (DSG) to supplement the GDPR. In July 2022, Austria ratified the Council of Europe's Convention 108+ for the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data.
The Austrian Data Protection Authority has taken strong stances on data protection, declaring the use of Google Analytics and Meta's tracking tools illegal. Austria is subject to both the GDPR and Convention 108+, which provide rights for individuals to obtain information about automated decision-making and the logic behind algorithms. The country has also endorsed the Council of Europe's 2020 Recommendation on the human rights impacts of algorithmic systems, which emphasises transparency, accountability, and effective remedies.
Austria has implemented AI in various sectors, including facial recognition at border controls in Vienna International Airport, predictive policing methods to support patrol services and burglary prevention, and automated tax fraud detection through the Predictive Analytics Competence Center (PACC).
However, concerns have been raised about potential discrimination and bias in some AI applications, such as the algorithmic profiling of job seekers by the Public Employment Service Austria (AMS).
Austria has taken several steps to engage with international AI initiatives. The country has endorsed the OECD and G20 AI Principles and supports a legally binding instrument to ban autonomous weapons not meaningfully controlled by humans. Austria has also endorsed the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI and participated in the negotiations for the Council of Europe Framework Convention on AI, Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law.
Austria scores highly for political rights and civil liberties (93/100) according to Freedom House. The country's AI strategy emphasises deploying AI responsibly and in compliance with fundamental human rights. Austria has also created an Advisory Board on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence to implement the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI.
Austria's approach to AI governance demonstrates a commitment to balancing technological innovation with the protection of fundamental rights and ethical principles. The country has aligned its national strategy with European initiatives while also engaging in international efforts to promote responsible AI development.
Key challenges moving forward include implementing the EU AI Act and establishing an effective national supervisory mechanism, addressing concerns about AI use in facial surveillance and predictive policing, and ensuring the practical implementation of ethical AI principles.
This country report is our interpretation and summary of the "CAIDP Artificial Intelligence & Democratic Values Index 2023". The full report can be found here - https://www.caidp.org/reports/aidv-2023/