In October 2022, Belgium approved a National Convergence Plan for the development of artificial intelligence. The plan aims to reduce fragmentation among regional AI strategies by establishing nine common objectives, including promoting trustworthy AI, guaranteeing cybersecurity, and protecting fundamental rights. The strategy explicitly refers to the need for transparency in AI design, preventing biased outcomes, and assessing societal impact.
The plan also emphasises Belgium's commitment to active participation in international forums for the development of AI norms and standards, advocating for clear rules on accuracy, transparency, accountability, explainability, and equality.
As a federal state, Belgium's regions have also developed their own AI strategies. The Flemish Region released the Vlaanderen Radicaal Digitaal II in 2021, focusing on digital public services and AI ethics. The Walloon government published the Digital Wallonia 2019-2024 strategy, stressing transparency and flexibility. The Brussels Capital Region is working on developing its own AI strategy in collaboration with academic institutions.
Belgium has taken steps to involve the public in AI policy development. As part of its Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2024, Belgium launched a citizens' panel on AI, bringing together 60 randomly selected individuals to discuss and make recommendations on AI policy.
A 2019 opinion survey revealed that while most Belgians hold a positive attitude towards technological developments, there are concerns about privacy, security, and the potential loss of human interaction. The survey also indicated strong public support for prioritising the management of ethical risks associated with AI.
As an EU member state, Belgium is subject to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and has established a Data Protection Authority to ensure compliance. The country has also transposed the EU Law Enforcement Directive, which provides protections for personal data processing by law enforcement authorities.
Belgium has taken steps towards improving algorithmic transparency, with proposals to make the use of algorithms by public administrations more transparent. Some cities, including Brussels, have adopted algorithm registers to provide citizens with information about the use of algorithms in municipal operations.
The use of facial recognition technology in Belgium has raised concerns, particularly regarding its deployment at airports, football matches, and for public security purposes. The Belgian Supervisory Body for Police Information has criticised the lack of legal framework and inadequate impact assessments for these systems.
Belgium is working to integrate AI into public administration, with initiatives to establish an Advisory Committee on Ethics on Data and AI for the federal administration and efforts to incorporate AI into public services in regions like Wallonia.
Belgium has endorsed the OECD/G20 AI Principles and is a member of the Global Partnership for AI. The country is also a signatory to the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI and has participated in international efforts to address the challenges posed by autonomous weapons systems.
Belgium maintains a strong record on human rights, receiving a high rating from Freedom House for political rights and civil liberties. The country has also established a national human rights institution to address the impact of new technologies on fundamental rights.
Belgium has made significant progress in developing a comprehensive and ethical approach to AI through its National Convergence Plan and regional initiatives. The country's focus on public participation, data protection, and human rights in AI development is commendable. However, challenges remain, particularly in areas such as facial recognition and algorithmic transparency. As Belgium continues to implement its AI strategy, balancing innovation with ethical considerations and fundamental rights protection will be crucial.
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/