In today’s digital world, artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a key driver of economic growth and public governance. Kazakhstan has recognized the need to regulate AI technologies to ensure citizen safety, data protection, support for innovation, and competitiveness.
Initiators and Development Process
On March 3, 2025, Member of Parliament Ekaterina Smyshlyaeva presented the draft law. The initiative aims to create a clear and transparent legal framework for AI.
A broad working group of over 150 specialists — MPs, government bodies, and experts — is developing the document.
The discussion included sessions with the Ministry of Digital Development, the IT community, and civil society. Participants proposed additions, including AI in healthcare and certification of AI systems.
Progress: First Reading
On May 14, 2025, the Mazhilis approved the draft law in its first reading. This marked an important step in shaping Kazakhstan’s AI regulatory framework.
Key Provisions of the Draft Law
AI system classification:
— by risk level: minimal, medium, high;
— by autonomy level: assistants, semi-autonomous, fully autonomous.
Fully autonomous systems are completely prohibited in Kazakhstan.
Prohibitions:
• Fully autonomous AI systems;
• Algorithms that influence human behavior without explicit informed consent;
• Deepfake generation;
• Emotion profiling and facial recognition in public places (except as allowed by law).
National AI Platform:
A unified infrastructure providing access to data, tools, educational programs, and international cooperation.
Safety and User Rights:
• Protection of personal data and algorithmic transparency;
• Users must be informed when interacting with AI;
• Right to appeal automated decisions.
Ethical Principles:
Transparency, fairness, accountability, human primacy, and public benefit.
Support for Development:
• Government programs, funding, research, and education;
• International collaboration;
• Legal clarity for investors and developers.
Importance
Kazakhstan may become the second country in the world (after the EU) to adopt a dedicated law on AI.
The draft law strikes a balance between fostering innovation and ensuring safety, prioritizing transparency, risk-based regulation, and protection of all AI ecosystem participants.
Conclusion
The Draft Law “On Artificial Intelligence” represents a strategic and essential step toward the sustainable and responsible development of AI in Kazakhstan. It lays the foundation for ethical use of technology, market growth, and protection of citizen rights.
Initiators and Development Process
On March 3, 2025, Member of Parliament Ekaterina Smyshlyaeva presented the draft law. The initiative aims to create a clear and transparent legal framework for AI.
A broad working group of over 150 specialists — MPs, government bodies, and experts — is developing the document.
The discussion included sessions with the Ministry of Digital Development, the IT community, and civil society. Participants proposed additions, including AI in healthcare and certification of AI systems.
Progress: First Reading
On May 14, 2025, the Mazhilis approved the draft law in its first reading. This marked an important step in shaping Kazakhstan’s AI regulatory framework.
Key Provisions of the Draft Law
AI system classification:
— by risk level: minimal, medium, high;
— by autonomy level: assistants, semi-autonomous, fully autonomous.
Fully autonomous systems are completely prohibited in Kazakhstan.
Prohibitions:
• Fully autonomous AI systems;
• Algorithms that influence human behavior without explicit informed consent;
• Deepfake generation;
• Emotion profiling and facial recognition in public places (except as allowed by law).
National AI Platform:
A unified infrastructure providing access to data, tools, educational programs, and international cooperation.
Safety and User Rights:
• Protection of personal data and algorithmic transparency;
• Users must be informed when interacting with AI;
• Right to appeal automated decisions.
Ethical Principles:
Transparency, fairness, accountability, human primacy, and public benefit.
Support for Development:
• Government programs, funding, research, and education;
• International collaboration;
• Legal clarity for investors and developers.
Importance
Kazakhstan may become the second country in the world (after the EU) to adopt a dedicated law on AI.
The draft law strikes a balance between fostering innovation and ensuring safety, prioritizing transparency, risk-based regulation, and protection of all AI ecosystem participants.
Conclusion
The Draft Law “On Artificial Intelligence” represents a strategic and essential step toward the sustainable and responsible development of AI in Kazakhstan. It lays the foundation for ethical use of technology, market growth, and protection of citizen rights.