For an explanation of how to read this resource, refer to the guide at the end.
AI Regulation
There is no regulation specifically governing AI in the country. However, there have been certain actions in furtherance of AI governance. Among these is the ‘Tunisia AI Roadmap 2021–2025’ (the “AI Roadmap”), which has been referenced in public sources.1 In addition, in February 2022, the Ministry of Communication Technologies, the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mines, the Ministry of Economy and Planning, and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a national AI strategy and plan its implementation.2
Definitions of AI
In the absence of publicly available official instruments on AI regulation in the country, including the AI Roadmap, we have not verified the existence of any definitions of AI.
Core Principles
In the absence of publicly available official instruments on AI regulation in the country, we have not verified the existence of any core AI principles.
Public Consultations
Based on publicly available information, we have not found evidence of invitations for public input on AI governance in the country.
Existing Legal Framework
A non-exhaustive list of regulations that might affect AI in the country includes:
- Constitution of Tunisia3
- Tunisia Vision 20354
- National Development Plan 2023–20255
- National Innovation Strategy (Stratégie Nationale de l’Innovation) (SNI) 2019-20236
- Strategy for Industrialization and Innovation, launched in July 20227
- National Cybersecurity Strategy 2020-2025 (Stratégie Nationale en Matière de Cybersécurité 2020-2025)8
- Electronic Exchanges and Electronic Commerce Law (Law No. 2000-83 of 9 August 2000)9
- Personal Data Protection Law (Organic Act No. 2004-63 of 27 July 2004)10
- Decree no. 2007-3003 of 27 November 2007, establishing the operating procedures of the National Authority for Protection of Personal Data11
- Decree no. 2007-3004 of 27 November 2007, establishing the conditions and procedures for declaration and authorisation relating to the processing of personal data12
- Organic Law No. 2016-22 of 24 March 2016, relating to the right of access to information13
- Decree-Law no. 2022-54 of 13 September 2022, on combating offences relating to information and communication systems14
- Decree-Law no. 2023-17 of 11 March 2023, regulating cybersecurity15
Human Rights
The UDHR was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 10 December 1948. Its principles are considered universal and applicable to all UN member states. As a member of the UN, Tunisia has committed to upholding the principles of the UDHR. The Constitution of Tunisia includes provisions that protect fundamental human rights.16 Article 24 guarantees the right to privacy (protection of privacy; inviolability of the home; and confidentiality of correspondence, communications, and personal information). Other protections include the rights to equality and non-discrimination (Article 21), life (Article 22), human dignity (Article 23), freedom of expression (Article 31), and health, education, and work (Articles 38, 39, and 40, respectively). Tunisia has ratified several key international human rights instruments, including the ACHPR, ICCPR, and ICESCR. Additionally, the country has signed but not ratified the Malabo Convention.
Regulators
A non-exhaustive list of regulators that might impact AI in the country includes:
- Ministry of Communication Technologies (Ministère des Technologies de la Communication) (MTC)17
- Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (Ministère de l'Enseignement Supérieur et de la Recherche Scientifique) (MES)18
- National Agency for Scientific Research Promotion (Agence Nationale de Promotion de la Recherche Scientifique) (ANPR)19
- National Authority for Protection of Personal Data (Instance Nationale de Protection des Données Personnelles) (INPDP)20
- National Agency for Computer Security (Agence Nationale de la Cyber Sécurité) (ANCS)21
- National Institute for Standardization and Industrial Property (Institut National de la Normalisation et de la Propriété Industrielle) (INNORPI)22
- Committee for Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (Comité Supérieur des Droits de L’Homme et des Libertés Fondamentales) (CSDHLF)23
R&D and Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives
In September 2024, Novation City, in partnership with the NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute, launched an AI innovation hub in Sousse, Tunisia.24 Backed by the Tunisian government, French and German development agencies, the World Bank, the European Union, and private sector partners, the hub aims to strengthen collaboration across education, research, and industry.25
Professional/Industry Associations
A non-exhaustive list of professional or industry associations with a focus on AI in the country includes:
- Tunisian AI Society26
- Tunisian Association for Artificial Intelligence (Association Tunisienne pour l’Intelligence Artificielle) (ATIA)27
- AI Tunisian Community28
The Tunisian Digital Economy Association (Association Tunisienne de l'Economie Numérique) (ATEN) is an association with a broad scope that could include AI.29
Advisory Bodies and Expert Groups
According to reports from 2018, a task force and a steering committee were established in connection with the development of a national AI strategy for Tunisia.30 Based on publicly available information, we have not found indication that these bodies remain operational.
Guide
- AI Regulation: The term "regulation", as used in this resource, encompasses measures ranging from binding laws to national AI policies and strategies, government proposals, advisory guidelines, and industry standards that address AI systems and their implications.
- Existing Legal Framework: This section outlines the relevant legal framework, excluding any AI-specific regulations presented in the initial section.
- Human Rights: The following terms have the stated meanings: "ACHPR" means the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, "ICCPR" means the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, "ICESCR" means the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, "Malabo Convention" means the African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection, "UDHR" means the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and "UN" means the United Nations. Any reference to an “Article” or “Section” of the Constitution is to the version of the Constitution referenced herein.
- Advisory Bodies and Expert Groups: This section excludes legislative and parliamentary committees.
