Philippines: Introduced Artificial Intelligence Development Act (HB 7983)

On 9 May 2023, the Artificial Intelligence Development Act (HB 7983) was introduced into the Philippine House of Representatives. The Act aims to further the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve the local industries, economy and lives of people. The Act would establish the National Center for Artificial Intelligence Research (NCAIR) as the primary policy-making and research body for AI development in the Philippines. Furthermore, the Act would require the National Innovation Council, as established under the Philippine Innovation Act (RA No. 11293), to prioritise AI development in the National Innovation Agenda and Strategy Development. Additionally, the Act would define priorities in the national AI strategy, including the acceleration of research and development of AI, the improvement of digitisation and network infrastructure as well as the transformation of education in relation to AI skills and job displacement prevention. The Act would enter into force fifteen days after its publication in the Official Gazette or two newspapers of general circulation.