Kazakhstan has become the first country in Central Asia to adopt a comprehensive artificial intelligence (AI) law, a landmark move aimed at ensuring that AI technologies are deployed safely, transparently, and ethically across the public and private sectors, the Astana Times reported.

Signed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the law establishes wide-ranging requirements governing how AI can be used in government services, healthcare, education, transportation, and business. With AI increasingly embedded in daily life — from diagnostic tools for doctors to digital services for citizens — the legislation is designed to protect the public while accelerating national innovation.

According to the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, citizens will now have the right to know when AI systems influence decisions that affect them and may request explanations for automated outcomes. Full personal data protections apply, reinforcing public control over sensitive information.

The ministry said the law “strengthens Kazakhstan’s position as a regional technology leader,” adding that the framework is expected to attract foreign investment, fuel startup growth, and expand the country’s AI economy. The goal, the ministry noted, is to build a competitive digital market rooted in public trust.

The law prohibits a range of harmful practices, including behavioral manipulation, exploitation of user vulnerabilities, emotion recognition without explicit consent, illegal data collection, and social scoring — measures intended to prevent intrusive or unsafe AI deployments.

To combat deepfakes and disinformation, the new rules require clear labeling of synthetic content such as AI-generated video, audio, images, and text. Officials say this will help protect individuals from fraud, reputational damage, and misleading digital media.

The legislation also establishes the groundwork for a national AI platform that will support domestic model development, provide access to data and computing resources, and bolster Kazakhstan’s technological sovereignty as it seeks to lead the region in digital governance.

The Astana Times reports that the law marks a major step toward building a trustworthy, innovation-driven AI ecosystem for the country’s future.

Need Help?

If you have questions or concerns about any global guidelines, regulations and laws, don’t hesitate to reach out to BABL AI. Their Audit Experts can offer valuable insight, and ensure you’re informed and compliant.