As artificial intelligence rapidly advances and permeates our daily lives, Portugal is taking proactive steps to harness the power of AI while ensuring its development aligns with human rights, democratic values, and the rule of law. Through its forward-thinking AI Portugal 2030 strategy and commitment to ethical principles, Portugal is emerging as a leader in responsible AI governance.
A Comprehensive Vision for AI
At the heart of Portugal's approach lies the AI Portugal 2030 strategy, released in February 2019. This ambitious roadmap sets out a clear vision for fostering research, innovation, and the application of AI in both the public and private sectors. Pedro Siza Vieira, Minister of State for the Economy and Digital Transition, emphasized the strategy's significance: "AI Portugal 2030 is a crucial milestone in our journey to become a frontrunner in the development and deployment of trustworthy AI technologies."
The strategy outlines key objectives to be achieved by 2030, including driving economic growth, promoting scientific excellence, and ensuring human development. Recognising the disruptive potential of AI, the strategy stresses the importance of building societal robustness and establishing clear guidelines for the ethical development and use of AI systems.
Putting Ethics at the Forefront
Portugal's commitment to responsible AI is evident in its strong focus on ethical principles. The AI Portugal 2030 strategy emphasizes the need for AI systems to respect fundamental rights, ensure fairness, and promote well-being and quality of life. João Tiago Silveira, Secretary of State for Digitalization, underscored the importance of this human-centric approach: "By placing ethics at the core of our AI strategy, we aim to build trust and ensure that AI benefits society as a whole."
To operationalise these principles, Portugal has taken concrete steps such as developing regulatory frameworks, creating an ethical committee for AI, and promoting awareness and inclusion at all levels of education. The government has also launched initiatives like the Guide for an Ethical, Transparent and Accountable AI in Public Administration, which provides guidance for the responsible deployment of AI in the public sector.
Fostering Innovation and Collaboration
Portugal recognizes that achieving its AI ambitions requires a collaborative effort involving key stakeholders from research, academia, industry, and government. The AI Portugal 2030 strategy emphasises the importance of investing in AI at both the national and European levels, mobilizing key actors, and identifying areas for development.
To support innovation, Portugal has established regulatory sandboxes that allow for the testing and development of AI technologies in controlled environments. These sandboxes ensure compliance with regulations while fostering the growth of start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises in the AI sector.
Addressing Societal Challenges
As AI becomes increasingly prevalent, Portugal is taking proactive measures to address potential societal challenges. The AI Portugal 2030 strategy highlights the need for transparency, accountability, and explainability in AI decision-making processes. It also stresses the importance of data protection, privacy, and security in the development and deployment of AI systems.
To mitigate risks and prevent misuse, Portugal is investing in research to study the impacts of AI on society, including its effects on employment, democracy, and fairness. By promoting a balanced perspective and encouraging public participation in the AI dialogue, Portugal aims to ensure that the benefits of AI are widely shared while potential adverse effects are minimized.
Looking Ahead
As Portugal continues to implement its AI strategy and uphold its commitment to ethical principles, it serves as a model for other nations seeking to navigate the complex landscape of AI governance. By prioritising human rights, fostering innovation, and engaging stakeholders across society, Portugal is paving the way for a future in which AI technologies are developed and deployed responsibly, benefiting citizens and driving progress in the digital age.
With its comprehensive approach and strong ethical foundation, Portugal is well-positioned to harness the transformative potential of AI while safeguarding the values that underpin its democratic society. As the world grapples with the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, Portugal's example offers valuable insights and inspiration for building a responsible and inclusive AI ecosystem.
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/