Denmark is positioning itself as a leader in responsible AI development, balancing technological innovation with a strong emphasis on ethics and public trust. In March 2019, Denmark unveiled its National AI Strategy, outlining four key objectives: establishing an ethical and human-centered foundation for AI, prioritising AI research, encouraging growth of Danish firms through AI use, and ensuring the public sector utilises AI to provide world-class services. The strategy covers both public and private sectors, addressing challenges, focus areas, and policy initiatives, aiming to create a framework that improves trust in AI.
To promote ethical AI development, Denmark has taken several significant steps. In 2019, the government established an Independent Data Ethics Council to advise public and private sectors on data-related ethical issues. In 2021, Denmark launched the "D-seal" labeling programme to promote data security, protection, and ethics in Danish companies. The government has also set an ambitious goal to increase public trust in authorities' handling of personal information from 83% to 90% by 2024.
As an EU member state, Denmark is subject to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and has enacted supplementary legislation. However, the country has lagged behind other EU nations in data protection knowledge and compliance, with relatively low fines imposed for GDPR breaches. This has raised concerns about Denmark potentially becoming a "safe haven" for companies seeking to avoid strict GDPR compliance.
On the international stage, Denmark has actively participated in AI initiatives. The country has endorsed the OECD AI Principles, joined the Global Partnership on AI, and signed the Nordic-Baltic declaration on AI promoting ethical guidelines. Denmark has also contributed to the Council of Europe's Framework Convention on AI and endorsed the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI.
Regarding autonomous weapons, Denmark supports maintaining "meaningful human control" and has endorsed international efforts to address the challenges posed by such systems. The country consistently receives high scores for political rights and civil liberties from Freedom House and has established the Danish Institute for Human Rights as its national human rights institution.
The Danish government has implemented programs to enable stakeholder participation in AI policy development, including public discussions, expert consultations, and civic engagement activities. In October 2023, the Danish Data Protection Authority published guidance on AI use by public authorities and announced plans for further guidance on managing AI-related risks.
As Denmark moves forward with its AI strategy, key areas to watch include the implementation of ethical AI principles in practice, strengthening data protection enforcement and compliance, balancing innovation with privacy protection and human rights safeguards, establishing an independent national supervisory mechanism for AI oversight, and translating international commitments into concrete actions.
Denmark's approach to AI development demonstrates a commitment to responsible innovation and ethical considerations. However, the country's success in becoming a leader in trustworthy AI will depend on its ability to effectively implement its strategies and address ongoing challenges in data protection and AI governance. The ratification of the modernised Convention 108 for data protection would also signal Denmark's prioritization of its citizens' fundamental rights in the digital age.
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/