For an explanation of how to read this resource, please refer to the guide at the bottom.
AI Regulation
There is no regulation specifically governing AI in the country.
Definitions of AI
As the country is yet to establish AI regulations, there is no formal definition of AI.
Core Principles
As the country is yet to establish AI regulations, there is no formal statement of core AI principles.
Public Consultations
Based on publicly available information, we have not found evidence of invitations for public input on AI governance in the country.
Existing Legal Framework
A non-exhaustive list of regulations that might affect AI in the country includes:
- Constitution of Guinea-Bissau1
- Basic Law on Information and Communication Technologies (Law No. 5/2010 of 27 May 2010)2
Human Rights
The UDHR was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 10 December 1948. Its principles are considered universal and applicable to all UN member states. As a member of the UN, Guinea-Bissau has committed to upholding the principles of the UDHR. The Constitution of Guinea-Bissau outlines various fundamental principles, including those relating to public health, education, and dignity (Articles 15, 16, and 17, respectively).3 It also includes provisions that protect fundamental human rights, such as Article 48, which guarantees the right to privacy (inviolability of the home, correspondence, and other means of private communication). Other protections include the rights to equality (Article 24), education (Article 49), and freedom of expression (Article 51). Guinea-Bissau has ratified several key international human rights instruments, including the ACHPR, ICCPR, and ICESCR. Additionally, the country has signed but not ratified the Malabo Convention.
Regulators
A non-exhaustive list of regulators that might impact AI in the country includes:
- Ministry of Transport, Telecommunications and Digital Economy (Ministério dos Transportes, Telecomunicações e Economia Digital)4
- National Regulatory Authority for Information and Communication Technologies (Autoridade Reguladora Nacional das Tecnologias de Informação e Comunicação) (ARN)5
- Institute for Modernisation of the Administration (Instituto Tecnológico para a Modernização Administrativa) (ITMA)6
- National Commission for Human Rights (Comissão Nacional para Direitos Humanos) (CNDH)7
R&D and Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives
Based on publicly available information, we have not found evidence of significant investments or multi-stakeholder initiatives on AI within the country.
Professional/Industry Associations
Based on publicly available information, we have not found evidence of professional or industry associations dedicated to AI in the country.
Advisory Bodies and Expert Groups
Based on publicly available information, we have not found evidence of advisory bodies or expert groups dedicated to AI in the country.
Guide
- AI Regulation: The term "regulation", as used in this resource, encompasses measures ranging from binding laws to national AI policies and strategies, government proposals, advisory guidelines, and industry standards that address AI systems and their implications.
- Existing Legal Framework: This section outlines the relevant legal framework, excluding any AI-specific regulations presented in the initial section.
- Human Rights: The following terms have the stated meanings: "ACHPR" means the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, "ICCPR" means the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, "ICESCR" means the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, "Malabo Convention" means the African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection, "UDHR" means the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and "UN" means the United Nations. Any reference to an “Article” or “Section” of the Constitution is to the version of the Constitution referenced herein.
- Advisory Bodies and Expert Groups: This section excludes legislative and parliamentary committees.
