In 2019, Malta released its National AI Strategy, aiming to make the country the "Ultimate AI Launchpad" by creating an environment where companies can develop, test, and showcase AI innovations. The strategy includes over 70 actions to be implemented by 2022, focusing on three pillars: investment, start-ups, and innovation; public sector adoption; and private sector adoption.
A key component of Malta's approach is its focus on ethical AI development. The country has established an Ethical AI Framework that aligns with EU guidelines and OECD AI Principles. This framework outlines four key principles: human autonomy, harm prevention, fairness, and explicability. Malta plans to launch the world's first national AI certification programme for ethically aligned, transparent, and socially responsible AI solutions.
Malta has two primary bodies overseeing AI development: the Information and Data Protection Commissioner (IDPC), responsible for enforcing GDPR and national data protection laws, and the Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA), tasked with regulating innovative technologies and promoting ethical AI development.
As an EU member state, Malta is subject to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and has implemented additional national legislation to supplement these protections. The country has also ratified the Council of Europe's Convention 108+ for data protection.
Malta's legal framework, including GDPR and Convention 108+, provides citizens with rights to information about automated decision-making and algorithmic logic. The country's Ethical AI Framework also emphasizes the importance of algorithmic transparency and explicability.
Malta is considered a "free" country by Freedom House, with a score of 89/100. As a member of the Council of Europe and the United Nations, Malta has obligations to uphold various human rights treaties and is subject to monitoring by international bodies.
Despite its strong ethical AI framework, Malta has faced criticism over a "Safe City" surveillance project implemented using technology from Chinese company Huawei. The project, which involved AI-powered cameras in public spaces, raised concerns about mass surveillance and data privacy. Although initially reported to be discontinued in January 2023, more recent information suggests the project may have been extended for another year.
Malta has participated in international discussions on AI governance, including endorsing the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, contributing to negotiations on the Council of Europe's AI convention, and supporting international efforts to regulate autonomous weapons systems. While not an OECD member, Malta's AI strategy closely aligns with OECD AI Principles.
Malta has made significant strides in developing a comprehensive AI strategy with a strong focus on ethics and trustworthiness. The country's ambition to become a leading AI hub, coupled with its commitment to ethical principles, positions it uniquely in the global AI landscape.
However, the implementation of AI-powered surveillance projects raises questions about how well Malta is balancing innovation with privacy and human rights protections in practice. As the country moves forward with its AI initiatives, addressing these concerns and ensuring robust, independent oversight will be crucial to maintaining public trust and achieving its goals as an "AI Launchpad."
With the adoption of the EU AI Act, Malta will need to designate a national supervisory mechanism. The effectiveness and independence of this body will be critical in determining how well the country navigates the complex intersection of AI innovation and human rights protection in the coming years.
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/