Estonia adopted its first National AI Strategy in July 2019, focusing on advancing AI adoption in both public and private sectors. The strategy was deliberately short-term, intended to apply until 2021, to allow for adaptability in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
In 2022, Estonia released its second AI Strategy for 2022-2023, placing greater focus on human-centered and trustworthy AI. The new strategy outlines specific actions to implement these goals, including developing requirements to support ethical AI solutions and creating a fundamental rights impact assessment model.
As an EU member state, Estonia will be subject to the forthcoming EU AI Act. The country has advocated for a balanced approach during negotiations, seeking to avoid over-regulation while ensuring AI systems respect fundamental rights.
Estonia has also endorsed the OECD AI Principles and the UNESCO Recommendations on AI Ethics. At a regional level, the country signed the Declaration of Collaboration on AI in the Nordic-Baltic Region, committing to developing ethical and transparent guidelines for AI.
Estonia's data protection framework aligns with EU regulations, including GDPR and the Law Enforcement Directive. The country has also ratified the Council of Europe's Convention 108+ for data protection.
While Estonia has not yet enacted comprehensive AI-specific legislation, the government has announced plans to draft laws addressing high-risk algorithmic systems. These laws would require both public and private AI creators to provide transparency about AI interactions with individuals and data processing.
Estonia is known for its advanced e-government services and has ambitious plans for AI in the public sector. The government's KrattAI initiative envisions an interoperable network of AI applications to enable citizens to access public services through voice-based virtual assistants.
The country already uses automated decision-making in various contexts, including tax refunds and school assignments. Estonia is also exploring the potential use of AI in its court system to address case backlogs, though stressing that humans must retain ultimate control in judicial processes.
As a member of the EU and Council of Europe, Estonia is committed to upholding the Charter of Fundamental Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights. The country consistently ranks highly in Freedom House reports for respecting political rights and civil liberties.
However, the Council of Europe's Commissioner for Human Rights has urged Estonian authorities to carefully consider the ethical and human rights implications of using AI technologies, particularly in areas like elder care.
Estonia's approach to AI governance reflects its position as a digital leader seeking to balance innovation with responsible development. While the country's initial AI strategy focused primarily on adoption and economic benefits, its newer policies demonstrate an increasing awareness of the need to address ethical concerns and protect fundamental rights.
As Estonia continues to refine its AI policies and implement the EU AI Act, key challenges will include ensuring effective oversight mechanisms, maintaining its commitment to transparency, and harmonising its ambitious digitalisation goals with robust human rights protections.
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/