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 São Tomé And Príncipe1
- Vision 20302
- National Development Plan (NDP) 2017- 20213
- Transformation Agenda 20304
- National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP) 2020-2024 (Plano Nacional de Desenvolvimento Sustentável de São Tomé E Príncipe 2020-2024)5
- National Strategy for Digital Governance, dated June 20206
- National Cybersecurity Strategy (2024-2028)7
- Telecommunications Law (Law No. 3/2004)8
- Protection of Personal Data Law (Law No. 03/2016)9
- Cybercrime Law (Law No. 15/2017)10
- Consumer Protection Law (Law No. 09/2017)11
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, São Tomé And Príncipe has committed to upholding the principles of the UDHR. The Constitution of São Tomé And Príncipe includes provisions that protect fundamental human rights.12 Articles 24 and 25 guarantee the right to privacy (inviolability of personal identity and of confidentiality of private and family life, inviolability of the home, and secrecy of correspondence and communications). Other protections include the rights to equality (Article 15), life (Article 22), freedom of expression (Article 29), education (Articles 31 and 55), work (Articles 32 and 42), and healthcare (Article 50). São Tomé And Príncipe has ratified several key international human rights instruments, including the ACHPR, ICCPR, and ICESCR. Additionally, São Tomé And Príncipe has ratified the Malabo Convention.
Regulators
A non-exhaustive list of regulators that might impact AI in the country includes:
- General Regulatory Authority (Autoridade Geral de Regulação) (AGER)13
- Directorate for Regulation and Control of Economic Activities (Direção de Regulação e Controlo das Atividades Económicas) (DRCAE)14
- Ministry of Infrastructure and Natural Resources (Ministério das Infraestruturas, Recursos Naturais e Ambiente)15
- Institute of Innovation and Knowledge (Instituto de Inovação e Conhecimento) (INIC)16
- National Personal Data Protection Agency (Agência Nacional de Proteção de Dados Pessoais) (ANPDP)17
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.
