While Azerbaijan has not yet formulated a comprehensive AI policy framework, the country is in the process of establishing a national AI strategy. In March 2024, it was announced that the national AI strategy is "now at the approval stage." The Fourth Industrial Revolution Analysis and Coordination Centre (4SIM), in collaboration with the World Economic Forum, has played a key role in preparing a roadmap for shaping Azerbaijan's National Strategy on Artificial Intelligence.
The country is also preparing a digital development strategy and a data management strategy with support from the World Bank. These initiatives build upon earlier efforts, including the 2016 "Strategic Roadmap for Development of Telecommunications and Information Technologies" and the 2021 "2030 vision: National Priorities on Socio-Economic Development."
Azerbaijan's data protection framework is based on several laws, including the 2010 Law on Personal Data. The country is a party to Convention 108 of the Council of Europe but has not yet signed or ratified the modernised Convention 108+. The Ministry of Transport, Communications and High Technologies (MTCHT) is currently the authority tasked with implementing data protection laws.
The Council of Europe Action Plan for Azerbaijan 2022-2025 commits the country to move closer to signing and ratifying Convention 108+, adopt compliant legislation, and establish a dedicated independent authority for personal data protection. As of September 2022, a draft law on personal data protection based on European standards, particularly the GDPR, was reportedly in preparation.
The Azerbaijan government has taken concrete steps to promote technology innovation, including the creation of a Centralised Government Cloud in 2019. The country has organised conferences and events focused on AI and digital governance, demonstrating its commitment to embracing new technologies.
In the judiciary, Azerbaijan plans to introduce a Unified Court System based on AI, which is currently operating in test mode. The project, conducted in cooperation with the Council of Europe and the World Bank, includes automated case allocation and a unified judicial portal.
Azerbaijan began issuing biometric-based electronic identity cards in 2018. The country has also implemented facial recognition technology in various sectors, including a new generation cloud digital signature system called SIMA.
However, there are significant concerns about state surveillance and the use of spyware and surveillance technologies targeting activists and dissidents. Reports indicate that Azerbaijan has purchased and used various surveillance tools, including Pegasus spyware, potentially targeting journalists and opposition figures.
As part of its plan to repopulate the Karabakh area, Azerbaijan is developing Smart Cities/Villages. The concept was approved in 2021 and is being implemented through working groups representing various ministries.
Azerbaijan has also been actively developing and using AI and autonomous weapons in military conflicts, particularly in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. The country has purchased and developed various types of drones and loitering munitions, raising concerns about the use of autonomous weapons in warfare.
Freedom House has consistently rated Azerbaijan as "Not Free," with a score of 7 out of 100 in 2024. The report highlights concerns about concentrated power, corruption, and crackdowns on civil liberties. Internet freedom in Azerbaijan remains restricted, with blocked access to several social media platforms and prosecution of activists for online criticism of the government.
Azerbaijan is not an OECD member and has not endorsed the OECD AI Principles. However, the country is a UNESCO member and has endorsed the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI. Azerbaijan also participates in the Council of Europe's Committee on Artificial Intelligence, which is drafting a legally-binding Framework Convention on AI, human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
Azerbaijan has set ambitious goals for embracing new technologies to propel economic growth. While the country is making progress in digitalisation and AI development, significant challenges remain.
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/