Regulation of artificial intelligence has become a critical policy issue as AI technologies rapidly transform governance, industry, and society. The growing deployment of AI in sectors such as healthcare, transportation, finance, and public administration has intensified the need for comprehensive legal frameworks to address accountability, transparency, data protection, and ethical risks.
Legal and Ethical Challenges Related to Artificial Intelligence
AI systems raise major concerns regarding legal responsibility, algorithmic bias, privacy protection, and decision-making transparency. The absence of comprehensive and enforceable regulation of artificial intelligence creates uncertainty about liability in cases such as automated loan approvals or recruitment decisions. Ethical risks, particularly discrimination and social inequality, further highlight the urgency of structured governance mechanisms.
International Regulatory Approaches toward Artificial Intelligence
European Union
The EU’s AI Act introduces a risk-based regulatory model, classifying AI systems into unacceptable, high, limited, and minimal risk categories. Developers must conduct risk assessments, ensure transparency, and comply with data protection standards. Implementation challenges include harmonizing technical standards and clarifying liability frameworks.
United States
The United States follows a decentralized and self-regulatory approach. National strategies emphasize innovation and competitiveness while promoting ethical guidelines through institutions such as NIST. However, the absence of binding federal legislation creates regulatory fragmentation and gaps in accountability.
China
China adopts a centralized, security-oriented AI governance model, supported by strict cybersecurity and data protection laws. While the framework strengthens state oversight and strategic development, concerns remain regarding privacy, transparency, and human rights protections.
The Situation in Iran
Regulation of artificial intelligence in Iran faces structural limitations, including the absence of a comprehensive legal framework, lack of a national AI strategy, limited specialized regulatory institutions, underdeveloped data infrastructure, and shortages of skilled professionals. Existing legal provisions are fragmented and insufficient to address emerging AI risks effectively.
Policy Recommendations for Effective Regulation of Artificial Intelligence
Effective regulation of artificial intelligence in Iran requires:
- Establishing comprehensive and transparent legal frameworks
- Creating independent supervisory institutions
- Developing ethical and technical standards
- Investing in specialized education and capacity building
- Assessing social and environmental impacts of AI deployment
A balanced, risk-based, and forward-looking governance model can help Iran manage technological transformation while safeguarding legal certainty, innovation, and social welfare.
This study is conducted at Institute for Governance of Artificial Intelligance and Modern Technologies Law by Melina Yaghini in 2026.
To read more, Download full paper
