Dominican Republic to develop AI regulations for public sector in 2027
Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Public Administration (MAP) will develop a General Regulation on Artificial Intelligence for the Public Sector in 2027, which will be submitted to the Executive Branch for approval by decree.
The regulation will establish common standards for the governance, risk management, transparency and responsible use of AI across government institutions, while defining institutional responsibilities and safeguards for citizens’ rights.
The initiative builds on Decree No. 787-26, which approved the Code of Ethics for Artificial Intelligence in Public Services. The code establishes principles related to personal data protection, non-discrimination, due process and human oversight, as well as impact assessments for AI systems that could significantly affect fundamental rights or access to essential public services.
Public Administration Minister Sigmund Freund said the initiative is part of the government’s strategy to modernize the State, improve public services and simplify citizens’ interactions with government through secure information sharing and responsible technology use.
MAP is also advancing a broader digital transformation agenda focused on data and interoperability, administrative digitization, digital public infrastructure, coordination of technology investments and training for public servants.
The government has already approved measures including Decree No. 403-26 on data governance and interoperability, Decree No. 384-26 establishing a strategy for proactive public services, and Decree No. 714-26 on coordination and strategic management of the State’s digital infrastructure.
In addition, MAP is developing a Digital Competency Framework for Public Servants with the National Institute of Public Administration (INAP) and support from the Inter-American Development Bank and ECLAC. The framework will address skills related to AI, data management and digital transformation.
The regulatory process is also informed by an Artificial Intelligence Landscape Assessment conducted by MAP with technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The assessment examines the country’s infrastructure, data governance, talent, institutional capacity, and regulatory and ethical frameworks to identify priorities for responsible AI adoption.
Freund said AI should ultimately help simplify the relationship between citizens and the State, while ensuring that public servants have the training and institutions have the safeguards needed for its responsible use.
