Finland has emerged as a leader in the development and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI), thanks to its forward-thinking national AI strategy and commitment to ethical principles. The country's vision of a "good artificial intelligence society" has driven its efforts to foster innovation while ensuring that AI systems are designed to be robust, safe, fair, and trustworthy.
A Pioneer in AI Strategy and Governance
Finland was among the first countries to develop a national AI strategy in 2017, setting ambitious targets and allocating public funds to support the country's AI-related business objectives. The strategy aimed to enhance business competitiveness, ensure top-level expertise, provide world-class public services, and position Finland as a frontrunner in the age of AI.
To operationalise the strategy, Finland established a steering committee with representatives from the public, private, and research sectors. The committee published a series of reports examining the significance of AI for Finland's well-being, the impact of AI on work and society, and policy recommendations for the country's AI program.
Finland has also been actively involved in regional and international efforts to promote responsible AI development. It has collaborated with its Nordic and Baltic neighbours on issues such as ethical guidelines, standards, and data sharing, and has participated in the U.S.-Nordic Leaders' Summit, where the development of AI technologies that align with human rights and fundamental freedoms was a key topic of discussion.
Balancing Innovation and Regulation
As an EU member state, Finland will be subject to the forthcoming EU AI Act, which establishes a risk-based regulatory framework for AI systems. While awaiting the Act's entry into force, Finland has chosen not to enact new national legislation, opting instead to play an active role in shaping the EU-level rules.
Finland has also taken steps to promote transparency and accountability in the use of AI by public authorities. The city of Helsinki, for example, launched an AI registry in 2020 to detail how the city government uses algorithms to deliver services, providing citizens with information about the datasets used, the purpose of the algorithms, and the contact information of the person responsible for their deployment.
Protecting Fundamental Rights in the Age of AI
As a signatory to various international human rights treaties and conventions, Finland is committed to protecting human rights, civil liberties, and political rights in the context of AI development and use. The country's strong data protection framework, which includes the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Finnish Data Protection Act, ensures that individuals' rights to privacy and data protection are safeguarded.
Finland has also been proactive in addressing the potential risks of AI systems to vulnerable groups, such as children. In collaboration with UNICEF, Finland has worked to create internationally applicable policy guidance for the use and development of AI solutions that take the rights of the child into account.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Despite its strong record on AI governance, Finland has faced some challenges in balancing innovation with the protection of fundamental rights. The use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement authorities, for example, has raised concerns about privacy and data protection, leading to a reprimand from the Finnish Data Protection Ombudsman.
As Finland continues to navigate the complex landscape of AI development and regulation, it will need to remain vigilant in ensuring that its legal and ethical frameworks keep pace with technological advancements. By actively participating in international efforts to promote responsible AI, such as the OECD AI Principles and the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, Finland can help shape global norms and best practices for the development and use of AI in ways that respect human rights and democratic values.
Finland's approach to AI governance offers lessons for other countries seeking to balance innovation with the protection of fundamental rights. By developing a comprehensive national strategy, fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration, and actively engaging in international efforts to promote responsible AI, Finland has positioned itself as a leader in the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies.
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/