KSA: Ethics Principles

1. Overview

To guide the moral development and use of AI, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) introduced the AI Ethics Principles for Saudi Arabia in 2022. These principles cover issues including the misuse of AI, such as deepfakes, and will stop harm by providing ethical guidelines, even though they are not legally binding.

2. Scope of the Principles

All AI models developed, utilized, or distributed within the Kingdom are governed by these laws. They specifically address malicious AI-created content, such as impersonation, disinformation, and non-consensual deepfakes. They are both responsible for creating and sharing such content. In the event that they are used correctly for satire, education, and research, there are no sanctions, but exceptions.

3. Key Provisions

• AI should never be used to “deceive, manipulate, or harm individuals or society,” including the production of fraudulent documents using counterfeit media.
• Consent Requirement: The rules emphasise fairness and privacy, emphasising that “clear, informed, and explicit consent” is necessary when using personal information, particularly for AI-generated work.
• Platform Responsibilities: Businesses have to “offer transparency and accountability” in AI outcomes, that is, be capable of knowing when media has been doctored or fabricated if the need arises.

4. Penalties and enforcement

There is no penalty for violating the AI Ethics Principles, but they are enforced by SDAIA. If you violate them, you may harm your reputation or be fined under the general data protection law, like the Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL).

5. Notable Cases or Precedents

Up to now, no court decisions and enforcement actions have taken place regarding these principles. These principles are recommendations and are incorporated into Saudi Arabia’s digital policy.

6. Global Comparison

The research on Saudi Arabia’s AI Ethics Principles is not contradictory to global standards such as the OECD AI Principles and UNESCO AI guidelines, but is less obligatory than the EU AI Act and some American states’ deepfake laws.

7. Practical Implications

Organizations and writers are invited to indicate that content was produced by AI, ensure privacy is maintained, and refrain from detrimental uses. Those misusing these technologies for malicious purposes may face sanctions under current digital or privacy legislation in Saudi Arabia.

8. Future Outlook

Saudi Arabia can have binding rules on AI in the future. The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) is eager to revise the system as usage of AI expands, particularly in high-risk domains such as deepfakes.