Kazakhstan Considers Parliamentary Hearings on AI Regulation and Industry Growth This Fall

Kazakhstan Plans Parliamentary Hearings on Artificial Intelligence in September

Yerlan Koshanov, Chairman of the Majilis of the Kazakh parliament, has proposed holding parliamentary hearings on artificial intelligence (AI) this fall. These sessions are intended to involve government officials, domestic and international experts, and specialists to discuss AI's development and regulation.

Urgency for Accelerated AI Industry Growth

During a recent Majilis session, deputy Yekaterina Smyshlyayeva emphasized the Head of State’s prioritization of AI development. She stressed the need for comprehensive public preparedness, highlighting the government’s efforts to build infrastructure, train personnel, and expand technology parks.

However, Smyshlyayeva warned that the regulatory framework for AI remains underdeveloped. She pointed out that while the Majilis has passed the draft law on AI in its first reading, it must be finalized before autumn. This law is only the beginning of a broader process addressing sector-specific AI challenges.

Challenges in AI Regulation and Implementation

• The current AI development concept adopted last year lacks real impact on government planning.
• There is no systemic approach to updating legal, administrative, and procedural frameworks, particularly regarding digital evidence and forensics in AI-related offenses.
• Special sectors like education and healthcare require tailored ethical standards for AI use.
• There is a shortage of specialists with AI-relevant skills, leading to reliance on international consultants.
• Regulatory sandboxes are underutilized, while increased regulation risks hindering local companies.
• Transnational companies often bypass local AI requirements, raising security concerns and increasing dependence on foreign technologies, which affects domestic competitiveness.

Proposed Measures to Strengthen AI Governance

To address these issues, Kazakhstan is considering introducing a mandatory assessment of digital maturity across economic sectors. This would include a national preparedness index and compulsory regulatory audits before AI technologies see widespread adoption.

Majilis Speaker Yerlan Koshanov expressed full support for these proposals and underlined the importance of adopting and enforcing comprehensive AI legislation. The upcoming parliamentary hearings aim to create a platform for thorough discussion and actionable outcomes.

These developments reflect Kazakhstan’s intent to balance AI innovation with legal and ethical safeguards, ensuring the technology benefits the country’s sectors without compromising security or competitiveness.