TIRANA, May 30 /ATA/ Albania is set to establish a dedicated legal framework on Artificial Intelligence (AI), designed to ensure the development, application, and market deployment of such technologies in full compliance with standards of safety, transparency, and the protection of fundamental rights.
The draft law “On Artificial Intelligence”, prepared by the National Agency for Information Society (AKSHI), seeks to introduce clear regulatory provisions governing the use of AI systems within the country. Furthermore, it aims to harmonize Albania’s domestic legislation with the European Union framework, thereby aligning national practices with international standards. T
According to the accompanying explanatory report, the draft law provides for the classification of artificial intelligence systems based on their level of risk, the establishment of specific requirements for high‑risk systems, as well as the prohibition of practices deemed unacceptable.
The document sets out obligations for providers, users, importers, and distributors of AI systems. In addition, it foresees mechanisms for market surveillance, conformity assessment, post‑market deployment monitoring, and human oversight of such systems.
A principal component of the draft law is the establishment of regulatory “sandboxes,” controlled testing environments intended to foster innovation and technological advancement under supervised conditions.
As outlined in the accompanying explanatory report, the absence of a dedicated legal framework for artificial intelligence generates legal uncertainty for economic operators and public institutions, while simultaneously posing risks to the safeguarding of fundamental rights and the protection of personal data.
The draft law is designed to enhance both legal and technical security in the use of artificial intelligence, strengthen the protection of citizens and consumers, stimulate investment in technology, and ensure more effective institutional oversight.
Pursuant to the provisions of the draft law, the National Agency for Information Society (AKSHI) is designated as the coordinating authority for artificial intelligence. In fulfilling this role, AKSHI shall act in close cooperation with the competent authority for market surveillance, the notifying authority, and the Commissioner for the Right to Information and Protection of Personal Data.
The draft law has been prepared on the basis of the principles and structure of the European Union Regulation on Artificial Intelligence (AI Act) and is considered an important step in the process of aligning Albanian legislation with the acquis communautaire in the field of digital transformation.
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