Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The government has prepared its first concept paper on the use and practice of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
A technical committee formed by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology prepared the concept paper after nearly five months of study. Joint Secretary Anil Kumar Dutta led the five-member technical committee. The committee submitted its report to the ministry on Wednesday.
According to a member of the committee, the report has suggested that the government develop necessary policies, laws, and procedures for the development, use and regulation of AI. It has emphasized the need to address cybersecurity, data protection and privacy issues at the policy level. Likewise, it has recommended formulating a national AI policy, developing a national strategy, creating a data protection framework with legal basis, and establishing standards for AI use and user privacy protection in line with international norms.
The report also suggests developing an integrated national portal for AI-related information exchange, prioritizing research, development and application of AI, implementing programs to accelerate AI adoption, and developing national projects and sector-specific initiatives to leverage AI’s transformative nature for economic and social development.
The concept paper also recommends assessing the current e-ecosystem of AI development in Nepal, potential areas for promotion, research and development capacity, and action plans.
“Strategies should be adopted to enhance privacy protection, promote transparency and accountability, and increase research, investment, and collaboration in AI development and promotion,” the report states. “For this, relevant sectors need to prioritize AI use, development and promotion in their policies, strategies and programs.”
The concept paper also recommends assessing the current e-ecosystem of AI development in Nepal, potential areas for promotion, research and development capacity, and action plans.
The technical committee studied AI’s background, concept, ecosystem, basic principles, perspectives, objectives, current status, policy provisions, institutional and usage status, international practices, and strategies to recommend Nepal’s future course of action and planning.
The report includes a comparative analysis of AI strategies from various countries and regions, including the European Union, United Nations, Nordic-Baltic region, UAE, India, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Singapore, and South Korea, according to Joint Secretary Narayan Timilsina, a member of the committee.
