Is Morocco ready to master artificial intelligence without suffering its abuses? At the dawn of legislation, the Kingdom is committed to protecting citizens against digital abuse while ensuring ethical management of personal data, up to European standards. Parliamentarians are looking into the issue.
Morocco is therefore preparing to enter the era of artificial intelligence (AI) with the implementation of new legislation aimed at regulating its use and guaranteeing responsible exploitation. The House of Representatives is currently debating an ambitious bill which, once adopted, will aim to make AI applications safer, more ethical and better regulated. This text, which consists of 17 articles, was presented at a public hearing by members of the opposition Haraki party, highlighting the major issues of this technology and the associated risks.
One of the notable innovations of this legislative proposal lies in the introduction of the right for citizens to refuse any interaction with AI systems. This right of withdrawal, which demonstrates a desire to preserve the autonomy of individuals in the face of technological advances, is a sign of the caution with which Morocco is approaching this new digital revolution. At the same time, a national committee will be established to oversee the introduction and use of AI, ensuring strict control over how this technology is deployed nationally.
The aim of this legislation is not only to exploit the potential of AI, but also to combat abuse, in particular the dangers associated with deepfakes and false information. In this sense, Article 16 of the law provides for severe sanctions for misuse of AI, such as violating privacy or committing harm. Offenses may result in fines of up to 500,000 dirhams and prison sentences of up to five years in the case of serious violations. These measures aim to prevent abuses and ensure the protection of citizens against digital manipulation which, in recent years, has burst into the international landscape.
-This legislation is also part of the strategy “ Digital Morocco 2030 », which aims to position the country at the forefront of innovation while guaranteeing the ethical and transparent use of digital technologies. Morocco, aware of the challenges posed by AI, intends to take advantage of the opportunities it offers while ensuring that the risks are minimized. However, if this new law constitutes an important step, it must also be accompanied by a strengthening of personal data protection mechanisms. The National Commission for the Protection of Personal Data (CNDP) will also have to strengthen its systems in order to guarantee the security of personal information, following the notable advances made by European countries which, in recent years, have significantly tightened their data protection policies.
The implementation of these new regulations on AI in Morocco is part of a dynamic of foresight and responsibility, intended to prevent the abuses of technology from harming the privacy, security of citizens and social stability. By consolidating the principles of transparency, security and ethics, the Kingdom intends to prepare for a harmonious digital future, while protecting its citizens from the inevitable dangers of a society increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence.
