In May 2021, Slovenia adopted the National Program for Promoting the Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence (NpAI), outlining a detailed workplan for social and economic development through 2025. The program aligns with the broader Slovenian Development Strategy 2030 and the Digital Slovenia Strategy, emphasising the digital transformation of society and the economy.
The NpAI aims to establish efficient support for AI research and deployment, strengthen technological and industrial capabilities, address socio-economic changes, and provide an appropriate ethical and legal framework to increase citizens' trust in AI. It focuses on enhanced networking of relevant stakeholders and systematic cooperation between industry, government, and research institutions.
Slovenia actively engages in global AI initiatives. The country has endorsed the OECD AI Principles and is a founding member of the Global Partnership on AI. In 2021, Slovenia inaugurated the International Research Centre on Artificial Intelligence (IRCAI) in Ljubljana, under the auspices of UNESCO. The IRCAI serves as a communication platform for disseminating good practices on AI deployment in society and focuses on advancing research to achieve UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Slovenia has also played a significant role in shaping European AI policy, particularly during its Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2021. The country has supported the development of the EU AI Act and stresseded the importance of creating a legal framework that can serve as a global model.
As an EU member state, Slovenia is subject to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). In January 2023, Slovenia adopted a new Personal Data Protection Act, aligning national legislation with the GDPR and granting the Information Commissioner authority to impose fines for violations. The new law also introduces rules on the age limit for children's consent, use of CCTV and biometric data, and obligations for processing logs.
Slovenia has also transposed the EU Data Protection Law Enforcement Directive, which protects citizens' data rights when personal information is used by criminal law enforcement authorities. However, concerns remain about the government's use of facial recognition technology and surveillance practices, particularly by law enforcement agencies.
Slovenia is committed to developing AI in compliance with human rights and ethical principles. The country has endorsed UNESCO's Recommendation on the Ethics of AI and is actively working on implementing its guidelines. In February 2024, Slovenia hosted the Global Forum on the Ethics of AI.
The country is also contributing to the Council of Europe's efforts to create a binding legal framework for AI, having participated in the negotiations for the Framework Convention on AI, Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law.
Slovenia generally receives high scores for political rights and civil liberties from international assessments. The country is a signatory to major human rights treaties and has expressed commitment to upholding human rights in the development and deployment of AI technologies. However, challenges remain in balancing technological advancement with privacy protection and human rights concerns, particularly in areas such as facial recognition and law enforcement surveillance.
Slovenia's AI strategy demonstrates a clear vision for economic transformation and global leadership in AI, with a strong focus on research, international cooperation, and ethical development. The country has made significant strides in aligning its policies with EU regulations and international AI principles. However, as Slovenia refines its AI policies and implements new frameworks, ongoing monitoring and public engagement will be crucial to ensure AI benefits all citizens equitably while preserving fundamental rights and freedoms. The implementation of the EU AI Act and the designation of an independent national supervisory mechanism will be key steps in addressing remaining concerns about surveillance practices and ensuring robust protection of human rights in the AI era.
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/