Artificial Intelligence law at Costa Rica
As of May 2025, Costa Rica is actively developing a national framework to regulate artificial intelligence (AI), focusing on ethical principles, human rights, and international collaboration.
🇨🇷 Costa Rica's AI Regulatory Landscape
1. National AI Strategy (ENIA) 2024–2027
In October 2024, Costa Rica launched its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (Estrategia Nacional de Inteligencia Artificial, ENIA) for the period 2024–2027. This strategy emphasizes the development and use of AI in an ethical, safe, and responsible manner, promoting collaboration across public, private, and academic sectors. ENIA highlights the necessity of regular bias audits, human oversight, and risk management for high-impact AI systems, particularly in sectors like healthcare, education, and justice. It also advocates for transparency and accountability throughout the AI lifecycle .(Home, Effective Altruism Forum)
2. Draft Legislation on AI Regulation
Costa Rica has introduced several draft bills to regulate AI:(AI-360)
Bill No. 23771: This bill, presented in May 2023, emphasizes AI auditing, requiring developers to implement measures to mitigate algorithmic biases and prevent discriminatory outcomes. It also stresses adherence to human rights principles and proposes independent oversight of AI systems .(Effective Altruism Forum)
Bill No. 23919: Introduced by Congressman Oscar Izquierdo, this bill focuses on the responsible promotion of AI but does not include specific provisions on AI auditing .(Effective Altruism Forum)
Bill by Congresswoman Johanna Obando: This draft highlights the importance of AI auditing, advocating for due diligence and auditability throughout the AI system lifecycle .(Effective Altruism Forum)
These legislative efforts are currently under review, with ongoing consultations involving IT experts, lawyers, and human rights defenders .(Agenzia Nova)
3. International Collaboration and Ethical Standards
In 2023, Costa Rica signed a letter of commitment with UNESCO to develop an AI strategy aligned with UNESCO's "Recommendation on Ethics in Artificial Intelligence." This collaboration aims to ensure that Costa Rica's AI development adheres to global ethical standards, promoting human rights, equity, and inclusion .(UNESCO, UNESCO)
4. Global Leadership in AI Governance
Costa Rica is co-facilitating an intergovernmental process within the United Nations to establish an International Scientific Panel on AI and a Global Dialogue on AI Governance. This initiative, launched in 2025, aims to create a global framework for AI governance, addressing challenges and opportunities associated with AI development and ensuring its alignment with sustainable development goals .(Ministro de Asuntos Exteriores)
📌 Summary
Costa Rica is at the forefront of developing a comprehensive AI regulatory framework in Latin America. Through its National AI Strategy (ENIA), draft legislation, and international collaborations, the country is committed to fostering AI development that is ethical, inclusive, and aligned with global standards. These efforts position Costa Rica as a regional leader in responsible AI governance.(Effective Altruism Forum)
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