Serbia Poised to Get First AI Law by Year-End

Serbia is poised to enact its first law on Artificial Intelligence (AI) by the end of 2026, establishing a crucial legal framework for the technology's development and application. The National Alliance for Local Economic Development (NALED) announced that the proposed legislation aims to ensure AI is developed, used, and implemented safely, responsibly, and transparently.

The draft law closely mirrors existing European Union acts in this domain and will be harmonized with EU standards before final confirmation. Irena Đorđević Šušić, head of NALED's innovation unit, explained that the process involves a nine-month period for secondary legislation and harmonization, with the final proposal to be sent to the EU for approval. She noted that while the EU's AI law has been in effect since 2024, its rapid evolution necessitates flexible regulation.

Following the law's enactment in Serbia, an AI Agency is planned to be established as the central regulatory body, alongside an AI system register. Companies that have already developed AI solutions will be given a period to adapt. The regulations are intended to ensure that content creators utilize AI responsibly. The law seeks to provide legal certainty and transparent use of AI, addressing a gap where Serbia currently lacks legally binding sanctions for the misuse of artificial intelligence, despite having AI development strategies.

The legislation is designed to stimulate innovation by providing a predictable legal environment. It will primarily target AI model and system developers placing tools on the Serbian market, as well as importers and users, including individuals and legal entities like healthcare institutions and companies. The law will also apply to individuals using AI for commercial purposes. NALED's analysis indicates that the law will prohibit AI systems that collect data without specific intent, such as those used for facial recognition databases. While there are no specific regulations for media use of AI, they will be subject to general user provisions, emphasizing responsible and transparent application.

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Evropski zakon o AI postoji od 2021, a primenjuje se od 2024. godine, a već bi mogao da bude modifikovan, s obzirom na brzinu razvoja AI zbog koje regulativa mora biti fleksibilna.