Government Implementing Ethical Standards for AI
Uzbekistan Sets Target to Adopt Ethical Standards for Artificial Intelligence by 2025
Uzbekistan is aiming to establish ethical standards for artificial intelligence (AI) by the year 2025, as announced by Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov. The declaration was made at the Digital Almaty 2025 international forum held in Almaty, Kazakhstan on January 31.
The Prime Minister highlighted that in 2024, Uzbekistan under the guidance of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, approved its AI development strategy that extends up to 2030.
The strategy lays out several key objectives, including expanding software development and AI-based services to reach $1.5 billion, setting up 10 scientific laboratories devoted to AI research, constructing advanced high-performance server infrastructure for big data processing and AI model training, and positioning Uzbekistan within the top 50 of the Government AI Readiness Index.
To meet these targets, a series of priority tasks have been outlined. One major task is to build human resources and train specialists in AI. An agreement has been reached between Uzbekistan and the UAE to initiate a program aimed at training 1 million AI developers.
The second focus area involves speeding up the integration of AI technologies across vital economic sectors. More than 20 projects have already been implemented, such as the introduction of PalmPay for palm-based payments in the metro, digital identification through MyID and FaceID in mobile apps, AI assistants for the State Tax Committee and the State Agency for Public Services, and the launch of the legal platform LexAI.
As a result of these efforts, Uzbekistan managed to improve its ranking in the Government AI Readiness Index in 2024, climbing from 87th to 70th place.
The third key area of focus is enhancing IT infrastructure to support AI technologies. Uzbekistan is strengthening international partnerships to create AI regulation standards, train personnel, and establish infrastructure.
Commencing in 2025, Uzbekistan will introduce a new system to support innovative projects centered on AI development. Programs to support startups will be promoted through joint acceleration and venture capital investment initiatives.
While acknowledging the substantial opportunities presented by these advancements, Abdulla Aripov also underscored the significant challenges posed by AI. These challenges encompass legal protection, the regulation of ethical AI principles, and ensuring transparency in data collection and processing – matters that demand close attention and coordinated action to ensure safety.
The Prime Minister emphasized, “Many countries around the world have already embraced ethical principles for AI. Uzbekistan plans to integrate similar standards this year.”
Furthermore, the Prime Minister invited partners to take part in an international conference on AI development in CIS countries, scheduled to take place on August 7-8, 2025, in Samarkand.
