With the introduction of its National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence in January 2020, the Norwegian government has set forth a comprehensive plan to maximize the opportunities offered by AI while ensuring its ethical and responsible use.
Strengthening AI Research and Innovation
Norway's AI strategy places a strong emphasis on expanding education programs and workplace training in the field of AI to create a solid foundation of digital skills and capabilities.
The government aims to strengthen Norwegian research in AI and enhance innovation capacity in both the private and public sectors. Initiatives such as the Norwegian Artificial Intelligence Research Consortium (NORA.ai) and the recent 10-year financial support for Integreat, a purely AI-focused Center of Excellence, demonstrate Norway's commitment to advancing AI research and development.
Ethical AI and Data Protection
Norway has adopted the EU ethics guidelines for trustworthy AI and the OECD AI principles, underlining its dedication to developing ethical and transparent AI systems.
The Norwegian Data Protection Authority (Datatilsynet) plays a crucial role in enforcing the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and safeguarding citizens' privacy rights. The Datatilsynet has been proactive in issuing guidelines and conducting impact assessments on AI and privacy, ensuring that deployed systems respect privacy by design and meet legislative requirements.
Collaborations and International Cooperation
Norway actively participates in international initiatives and collaborations to foster responsible AI development. The country has signed agreements with the US Department of Energy to cooperate on AI research, innovation, education, and ethical issues, with a focus on solving challenges in climate, energy, and health.
Norway also contributes to the European AI Startup Landscape alongside France, Germany, and Sweden, promoting a thriving ecosystem for AI innovation.
Challenges and Future Developments
Despite its progress, Norway faces challenges in the regulation of AI, particularly in the area of facial recognition in public places.
The Norwegian Consumer Council has urged the government to support a general ban on the use of facial recognition in public spaces to protect citizens' privacy.
Additionally, Norway has yet to ratify the modernised version of the Council of Europe Convention 108 for the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data, which could further strengthen human rights protection in the digital age.
As Norway continues to implement its AI strategy and adapt to the evolving AI landscape, it is crucial for the government to allocate sufficient resources to ensure effective enforcement of existing rules and the upcoming EU AI Act. The country's endorsement of the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence is a positive step, and its practical implementation will be closely watched.
Looking ahead, Norway's commitment to responsible AI development, coupled with its strong democratic values and emphasis on human rights, positions the country as a leader in shaping the future of AI. Norway is fostering innovation, collaborating internationally, and prioritising ethical considerations, helping to set an example for other nations to follow in the pursuit of trustworthy and beneficial AI systems.
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/