The Bolivian Senate has endorsed the Artificial Intelligence Bill and forwarded it to the Chamber of Deputies for consideration and final approval, pending any objections. This legislation aims to create a thorough regulatory system for the growth, governance, and control of AI technologies in Bolivia, modeled after global standards like the European Union’s AI Act.
The proposal emphasizes safeguarding human rights, promoting transparency, ensuring safety, and reinforcing technological independence. Notably, the bill’s reach extends beyond national borders. It applies to both individuals and organizations, whether public or private, operating outside Bolivia if their AI systems influence people within the country.
One of the most controversial aspects is its outright ban on AI practices linked to psychological manipulation, social ranking systems, unauthorized biometric surveillance, and crime prediction. The bill also mandates strict monitoring for high-risk AI systems, which must undergo auditing and continuous evaluation. Oversight will rest with the Agency for Electronic Government and Information and Communication Technologies (AGETIC), empowered to impose penalties and other administrative measures.
To promote responsible digital progress, the draft includes the creation of a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, coupled with tax incentives and collaborations between the public and private sectors. The Executive Branch is obligated to release the implementing regulations within 90 days of the law’s enactment.
This development has sparked debate over whether the Bolivian Senate’s approach to AI represents a step toward ethical governance or excessive state control. Critics argue that while the law aligns Bolivia with international AI norms, it could also tighten the government’s grip on digital freedoms.
Dentons, a global law firm with operations in over 80 nations and a long-standing presence in Bolivia, continues to monitor these legislative shifts. The firm provides expert legal guidance for businesses adapting to the evolving AI landscape shaped by this bill.
