Ukraine is taking significant steps to develop its artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and regulatory framework, even as the country grapples with the ongoing Russian invasion and its aspirations for European Union membership. The government's approach to AI is evolving rapidly, shaped by both wartime necessities and the country's ambitions for technological advancement.
In December 2020, Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers approved the "Concept for the Development of Artificial Intelligence in Ukraine," recognising the need for AI systems to comply with fundamental principles of personal data protection and respect for privacy rights. This was followed in May 2021 by an Action Plan for implementing the Concept between 2021-2024, which was further updated in July 2023 to align with wartime needs.
To support these efforts, Ukraine has established an Expert Committee on the Development of Artificial Intelligence under the Ministry of Digital Transformation. This committee assists with strategic planning and facilitates cooperation among stakeholders. In October 2023, the committee presented a Roadmap for AI regulation in Ukraine, proposing a bottom-up approach that starts with self-regulatory initiatives and gradually moves towards legislative acts.
Concurrent with its AI strategy development, Ukraine is working to modernise its data protection laws to align with the EU's GDPR, with draft legislation currently under review. These efforts are part of Ukraine's broader goal of harmonising its legal framework with EU standards as it pursues candidate country status.
However, the Russian invasion has significantly impacted Ukraine's human rights situation and its approach to AI and technology. The country has deployed AI technologies for various military purposes, including autonomous drones and facial recognition systems for identifying Russian soldiers and conducting intelligence operations. This has raised concerns about the ethical implications of AI in warfare. Additionally, the widespread use of CCTV cameras with facial recognition capabilities and plans for vehicle tracking systems have sparked debates about privacy and civil liberties.
The ongoing conflict has led to restrictions on civil liberties and freedoms under martial law, contributing to Ukraine's "partly free" rating by Freedom House. Despite these challenges, Ukraine continues to engage with international AI governance efforts. The country has endorsed the OECD AI Principles and is working towards OECD membership. As a UNESCO member, Ukraine adopted the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in 2021. The country also participated in the Responsible AI in the Military Domain Summit (REAIM 2023) and endorsed the resulting Political Declaration. Furthermore, Ukraine is actively involved in negotiations for the Council of Europe Framework Convention on AI, Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law.
Ukraine's approach to AI development and regulation reflects a complex balancing act between technological advancement, wartime necessities, and aspirations for EU integration. While the country has made significant strides in developing its AI strategy and engaging with international frameworks, it faces unique challenges due to the ongoing conflict.
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