Morocco plans to create dedicated body to tackle AI social impacts

Morocco is accelerating efforts to regulate AI, aligning with UNESCO’s AI ethics guidelines adopted in 2022. This move, confirmed by Minister of Digital Transition Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, aims to establish a robust framework for AI development in the country.

In response to two oral questions in the House of Councillors regarding “the legal framework for the use of AI in the digital sphere, the minister revealed that “Morocco, through its government sector, is working to establish a specialized agency, committee, or unit for artificial intelligence that includes diverse expertise encompassing the digital, legal, and sociological dimensions of AI and its impact on society.”

She revealed that her ministry intends to “organize a national debate on AI to broaden the discussion and coordinate with various stakeholders regarding future orientations and measures, all within a unified vision tailored to Morocco’s context. The goal is to advance the responsible use and development of AI to drive the country’s progress.”

“Regarding the use of AI, it is worth emphasizing that it is part of the national strategy Digital Morocco 2030. Efforts will be made to strengthen its use and rely on it in developing the axes of this strategy, exploiting its capabilities in both the public and private sectors, to keep pace with the digitalization of public services and contribute to the development of the digital economy,” she continued.

To drive implementation, the minister mentioned that “a committee has been established under the Ministry of Digital Transition. This committee will evaluate Morocco’s readiness to adopt these AI recommendations, and the assessment results will be used to develop an implementation roadmap.”

She also shared plans to introduce new educational pathways in higher education and launch online training programs focused on AI. In addition, there will be awareness programs for different groups in society, including courses for children aged 8 to 14 and teenagers aged 15 to 18, offered across various regions of the country in collaboration with relevant authorities and local associations.

The minister also explained that there are ongoing discussions about exploring generative AI, highlighting “its potential and noting that it will allow for the use of voice and the creation of new content, like images and videos, based on user requests.”

Seghrouchni highlighted AI as a key driver of digital transformation, citing its potential to reduce costs and address citizens’ needs.

She noted that Morocco is one of the first countries to join and participate in implementing the recommendation on the ethics of AI developed by UNESCO, which “aims to understand the benefits that AI brings to society, reduce the risks it may pose, and ensure the promotion of human rights and contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, through a three-pronged approach of transparency, accountability, and privacy.”