In 2020, Iran unveiled "Digital Iran," a national roadmap for technological advancement, including AI. The country inaugurated an AI Innovation and Development Center in 2020, and in 2022 issued a draft National AI Development Roadmap focusing on AI applications in key sectors and the development of AI enablers.
However, Iran's AI ambitions face significant challenges. The country lacks comprehensive data protection laws, though a draft bill has been in development since 2018. Internet freedom in Iran has declined sharply, with authorities implementing extensive restrictions and surveillance, particularly in response to protests.
Iran's use of AI in military applications, including the development of autonomous weapons systems, has raised international concerns. The country has not supported international efforts to regulate such technologies.
While Iran has endorsed the UNESCO Recommendation on AI Ethics, its implementation of AI technologies, particularly in surveillance and law enforcement, has drawn criticism from human rights organisations. The deployment of facial recognition for enforcing strict dress codes is especially controversial.
As Iran continues to develop its AI capabilities, it faces the challenge of balancing technological advancement with ethical considerations and international norms, particularly in the areas of privacy, human rights, and military applications.
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