The government has launched various initiatives and strategies to foster innovation, digitise public services, and position the country for AI adoption.
Azerbaijan's commitment to AI is evident in its ongoing efforts to develop a comprehensive National AI Strategy. The Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport have been spearheading this endeavour, collaborating with international organizations like the World Economic Forum to shape a roadmap for the country's AI future.
Parallel to this, Azerbaijan is also formulating digital development and data management strategies to create a robust foundation for AI implementation.
The government has taken concrete steps to promote technology innovation, such as establishing the Centralized Government Cloud and the Innovation and Digital Development Agency. These initiatives aim to improve governance structures, increase operational efficiency, and digitise public services. Azerbaijan's "2030 vision: National Priorities on Socio-Economic Development" further underscores the importance of technological transformation in driving the country's progress.
Despite these advancements, Azerbaijan faces challenges in ensuring public participation and transparency in AI policy-making. The lack of a formal process for public consultations on AI-related matters raises concerns about the inclusivity and accountability of these initiatives.
As a member of the Council of Europe, Azerbaijan has committed to implementing open government principles, but more needs to be done to engage civil society and foster a bottom-up dialogue on AI governance.
Data protection is another critical area that requires attention. While Azerbaijan has a constitutional right to privacy and existing data protection laws, the country has yet to sign and ratify the modernised Convention 108+, which provides enhanced safeguards for personal data in the digital age. Establishing an independent data protection authority and aligning legislation with international standards are essential steps to build trust and ensure responsible AI deployment.
Reports by organisations like Freedom House and Amnesty International have highlighted the pervasive nature of state surveillance and the use of spyware against journalists, activists, and dissidents. The lack of transparency and oversight in the government's monitoring of ICT activity undermines fundamental rights and freedoms.
Moreover, Azerbaijan's use of facial recognition technology and biometric data collection without adequate legal safeguards poses risks to privacy and civil liberties. The introduction of the SIMA cloud digital signature system, which combines face recognition and biometric authentication, requires careful scrutiny.
Azerbaijan's use of AI-powered drones and autonomous weapons during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has sparked international concern about the ethical implications of AI in warfare. Azerbaijan is not a party to the Convention on Conventional Weapons (CCW) and has not endorsed declarations against lethal autonomous weapons.
The increased deployment of AI-driven weapons underscores the urgent need for international legal standards and regulations to mitigate the risks of fully autonomous weapons. Azerbaijan has an opportunity to contribute to these discussions and align its practices with emerging norms on the ethical use of AI in conflict situations.
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/