Kazakhstan to hold special parliamentary hearings on artificial intelligence
Tengrinews.kz – Kazakhstan will hold dedicated parliamentary hearings on artificial intelligence, announced Mazhilis Speaker Yerlan Koshanov.
Mazhilis deputy Yekaterina Smyshlyayeva submitted a formal inquiry to Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, addressing the development of AI in Kazakhstan.
She proposed introducing a mandatory assessment of the digital maturity of economic sectors or a national readiness index before large-scale use of AI, accompanied by regulatory audits.
“Additionally, we propose elevating the status of the AI development concept within the state planning system to ensure its provisions are considered in strategy and program development. Based on international safety standards, we suggest creating model AI application regulations for various industries and ensuring they are reviewed by a dedicated AI committee,” said Smyshlyayeva.
Among the deputy’s other proposals:
update approaches to digital forensics, particularly regarding violations involving the use of AI;
expand the use of regulatory "sandboxes" to test AI technologies with appropriate legal protections for pilot projects;
enhance the qualifications of legal professionals in the area of AI-specific legal regulation.
Yerlan Koshanov expressed his support for Yekaterina Smyshlyayeva’s inquiry. He reminded that President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev personally oversees the development of artificial intelligence in the country.
“Significant work is already being done by the government and the relevant ministry. We, the Mazhilis deputies, have also taken an important step by initiating and passing the draft law on artificial intelligence in the first reading. We will review it in the second reading in September,” said Koshanov.
The Speaker proposed holding a joint parliamentary hearing with the government on the issue this fall.
“I believe we could hold it in the second half of September. We should gather the best international experts, local developers, and specialists at our venue. The relevant committee should begin preparations for the parliamentary hearings,” added Yerlan Koshanov.