Kathmandu: In a pioneering move, the Nepali government has prepared its first Concept Paper on the use and practice of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This initiative aims to lay the foundation for developing policies and laws governing AI, addressing the absence of regulatory frameworks in Nepal amidst the growing global prevalence and development of AI technologies.

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology spearheaded the creation of the concept paper through a technical committee formed for this purpose. After nearly five months of study, the committee has presented a comprehensive report to the Ministry.

Committee Composition
The five-member technical committee was formed on January 19, 2024, and is coordinated by Joint Secretary Anil Kumar Dutta. The other members include:

-Narayan Timilsina, Ministry Under-Secretary
-Pabitra Dangol, Information Technology Director at the Ministry's IT Department
-Dr. Baburam Dawadi, Lecturer at the Institute of Engineering
-Surya Prakash Upadhyay, Ministry's computer engineer (serving as member-secretary)
 

Key Recommendations
The report emphasizes the need for a robust framework encompassing policy, laws, and procedures to regulate and promote AI in Nepal. Some of the key recommendations include:

Policy and Legal Framework:

• Formulating national AI policies and strategies.
• Developing a framework for data protection along with legal bases for AI usage and user privacy.
• Ensuring compatibility with international standards in policies and laws concerning data safety and protection.

Cybersecurity and Data Protection:

• Addressing cyber security, data protection, and privacy issues at the policy level.
• Establishing an integrated national portal for AI-related information exchange.

Research and Development:

• Prioritizing research, development, and use of AI.
• Running programs to accelerate AI adoption.
• Promoting privacy protection, transparency, and accountability in AI practices.
• Investment and Collaboration:
• Encouraging increased investment and collaboration in AI development.
• Integrating AI development and usage into sector-specific policies, strategies, and programs.

Strategic Vision
The report underscores the importance of creating a supportive environment for AI development in Nepal. This includes fostering research and innovation, ensuring data protection, and promoting responsible AI usage. The strategy aims to balance technological advancement with the protection of user privacy and data security, thereby aligning Nepal with global AI standards and practices.

The government's proactive step in developing this concept paper marks a significant milestone in Nepal's journey towards integrating AI into its socio-economic framework. The recommendations, if implemented, are expected to drive innovation, enhance data security, and promote sustainable AI development in the country.