Artificial Intelligence Regulation in the Areas of Data Protection, Information Security, and Anti-discrimination in Western Balkan Economies

Abstract

In order to improve trust related to the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI), European Union (EU) institutions are in the final stages of developing an ethical and legal framework. In the meantime, Western Balkan (WB) economies (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Kosovo) are pushing for the implementation of advanced information technologies and artificial intelligence, particularly in the public sector. This paper aims to provide an overview of regulatory approaches toward AI in WB economies, which are in process of EU integration but usually do lack institutional capacities and need further strengthening of rule of law. The paper will firstly introduce the concept of regulation and the challenges of the regulability of IT and AI. Secondly, the paper will map key actors and stakeholders in WB and analyze the development of strategic documents, ethical frameworks, and legal regulations in the area of AI. Thirdly the paper will briefly compare the existing regulatory framework of WB economies in the areas of Data Protection, Information Security, and Anti-discrimination and its applicability to the implementation of AI technologies. Lastly, by presenting key principles of the EU approach to the regulation of AI the paper will provide recommendations for Western Balkan economies.