On June 24, 2024, Turkey introduced the “Artificial Intelligence Bill No. 2/2234,“ a significant legislative step aimed at regulating artificial intelligence (AI) systems within the country. This new bill closely aligns with the European Union’s AI Act, marking Turkey’s commitment to adopting a risk-based approach to AI regulation. The bill is part of Turkey’s Medium-Term Program for 2024-2026 and seeks to balance innovation with safety, security, and ethical considerations in AI deployment.
The bill aims to regulate various stakeholders involved in the AI ecosystem, including providers, distributors, importers, and users of AI systems. It sets forth mandatory principles for the development and use of AI technologies, emphasizing security, transparency, fairness, accountability, and privacy. These principles are intended to ensure that AI systems are used responsibly and ethically, protecting the rights and interests of individuals and the broader society.
A key aspect of the bill is the classification of AI systems based on their risk levels. High-risk AI systems, such as autonomous vehicles, medical diagnostic tools, and AI applications in law enforcement, will be subject to stringent requirements. These include mandatory conformity assessments and registration with relevant authorities. The bill also stipulates severe penalties for non-compliance, with fines reaching up to 35 million Turkish Lira or 7% of an organization’s annual turnover for deploying prohibited AI systems. Providing false information related to AI can incur penalties of up to 7.5 million Turkish Lira or 1.5% of annual turnover.
Turkey’s AI sector, though not yet a global leader, is rapidly growing, supported by the country’s young population and thriving technology sector. Turkey is home to around 100 technology parks and has a strong business-to-consumer (B2C) market, particularly in consumer electronics, gaming, and e-commerce. The country also boasts a robust telecommunications infrastructure, with Istanbul serving as a crucial hub for underwater cable traffic between Europe and Asia. This has attracted significant investment from major cloud computing companies. Additionally, Turkey is a major producer and exporter of unmanned drone technology, primarily for military applications.
The AI bill is seen as a strategic move for Turkey, positioning it alongside other nations that are aligning their AI regulations with the EU’s risk-based model. Countries like Australia, Canada, and Japan have also adopted similar approaches, each with varying degrees of alignment. The introduction of this bill underscores Turkey’s intent to harness the benefits of AI while mitigating its risks. The government aims to create a legal framework that supports innovation and economic growth while ensuring that AI systems operate safely and ethically. By doing so, Turkey hopes to enhance public trust in AI technologies and encourage their responsible adoption across various sectors.
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