What is AI regulation in Venezuela?
AI regulation: countries and regions
Venezuela currently has no AI-specific law. Instead, its Science Ministry published a voluntary AI Code of Ethics in Feb 2026, setting out nine guiding principles for AI (like human-centred design, fairness, privacy and accountability). The National Assembly approved a 57-article AI bill in first reading in Nov 2024, but that draft law is still pending and not in force. Until a dedicated AI statute is enacted, AI use in Venezuela falls under existing constitutional data-privacy rights and other sectoral regulations.
Reviewed by Jackie, Head of Learning & Development, Levellers · Last reviewed 8 June 2026
What this means
As of now, Venezuela treats AI like any other data or technology under its existing laws. There is no standalone AI law yet. Instead, the government's science ministry has issued a national AI Code of Ethics (Feb 2026) that outlines nine ethical principles - for example, keeping AI human-centred, fair and transparent. This code is meant as guidance and does not impose legal penalties. Separately, the Venezuelan legislature has been debating a detailed AI Bill (57 articles) that passed an initial vote in late 2024, but it has not been made law.
In practice, companies and agencies using AI must follow the country's general legal framework for data and technology. The constitution provides a "habeas data" right (access to personal information) and other statutes cover privacy, cybersecurity and sector-specific rules. In other words, existing regulations still apply to AI projects. The code of ethics shows the government's direction, but for now it is up to organisations to apply its principles voluntarily and stay ready for stricter rules if the draft law is finally approved.
Why it matters
Even without a formal AI law, Venezuelan organisations need to pay attention. The government has signalled that ethical AI matters by publishing its code of ethics and pushing an AI bill. Companies and agencies using AI in areas like health, agriculture or finance should take note: aligning with the code's principles (e.g. checking for bias, explaining decisions, protecting data) reduces the risk of non-compliance if tougher rules come. Proactively implementing these guidelines can also improve public trust and competitive advantage. If and when the AI law is enacted, it could impose new duties (like system registration or impact assessments) and penalties, so it makes sense to prepare now.
How it works
AI Code of Ethics (Soft Law)
The Science Ministry's AI Code of Ethics (Feb 2026) is Venezuela's first official AI-related policy. It lists nine high-level principles - such as "humanist AI" (putting humans at the centre), equity, environmental responsibility, security, privacy, transparency, accountability, open science and excellence. The Code was drafted by the Directorate of AI at the ministry and is explicitly a soft law document. It does not create legal obligations or fines, but serves as a moral and practical guide for developers, businesses and officials. In other words, it tells organisations "what's expected" even though it cannot be enforced by itself.
Draft AI Bill (Hard Law)
Separately, Venezuela's legislature is working on a formal AI law. The current draft (57 articles, 4 chapters) aims to regulate the development, use and oversight of AI in the country. Key features include defining who is subject to the law (anyone who finances, develops, sells or uses AI systems), establishing an agency to oversee AI (a proposed "National AI Agency"), and creating rules for acceptable use. The draft explicitly bans certain AI applications - for example, automated systems that profile people based on sensitive data (like religion or biometrics) - unless the AI Agency grants exceptions for national security. It also proposes sanctions: breaches could lead to administrative fines or even criminal penalties under the new rules. As of now, the bill passed its first reading (Nov 2024) but is still under debate and not yet enacted.
Existing Legal Framework
In the absence of dedicated AI laws, Venezuela relies on general legal protections. The 1999 Constitution provides a right of "habeas data", meaning individuals can access and correct personal information about themselves. The Supreme Court has interpreted this to set principles like consent, legality, purpose and data accuracy - essentially a rudimentary data protection framework. There is no standalone privacy law, so these constitutional rights and other statutes (e.g. laws on communications, workplace data or cybercrime) apply to AI projects. For example, an AI system handling personal data must still honour privacy and security obligations under existing law. Currently there is no specific regulator for AI; instead, courts and sectoral agencies enforce the usual rules. If the AI law passes, it would create a new supervisory authority and add explicit AI duties on top of the existing legal regime.
Examples
Consider a Venezuelan farm that deploys an AI model to predict crop yields. Legislators have specifically mentioned agriculture as an AI use case. Under the proposed law, this system would fall within scope: the farm would likely need to register the AI tool with the authorities and ensure it meets transparency and fairness standards. In practice, the farm would review the AI's data sources for privacy and bias and document how the model reaches its recommendations.
Another example is in healthcare. Suppose a hospital uses an AI system to help triage patients or interpret medical images. This kind of application was highlighted by lawmakers as well (Venezuela is exploring AI in health and biotechnology). The medical provider would be expected to follow the code's advice - for instance, ensuring decisions are explainable and accountable to human staff. If the law comes into force, the hospital would eventually have legal duties (like impact assessments or audits) for that AI system. In both scenarios, organisations can start by mapping their AI use, validating data quality, and preparing documentation now, since that will align with the upcoming requirements.
Common misunderstandings
- **"The AI ethics code is already a binding law."** Not so. The Code of Ethics is explicitly voluntary guidance. It contains no enforcement mechanism - no fines, audits or penalties. It is a roadmap of best practices, not a rulebook with legal force. - **"Venezuela's AI law is already in effect."** Actually, only the draft bill has been approved in first reading. It still needs additional legislative steps before becoming law. Until then, there is no AI-specific legislation in force. - **"Existing privacy law fully covers AI."** Venezuela does not have a dedicated data protection statute. Only constitutional data rights (habeas data) and sector laws apply today. These principles guide AI use, but they are not "AI laws" per se. - **"Only AI developers are responsible."** The draft law treats anyone involved with AI - financiers, builders, deployers or users - as potentially subject to its rules. You don't have to write the code yourself to be covered; even using an AI service could create obligations if the law passes. - **"This law bans all AI uses."** No. The draft law specifically labels some uses as "inacceptable" (e.g. certain biometric profiling), but it also allows exceptions for security or other cases. Most AI applications would be allowed as long as they meet the law's requirements.
Risks and boundaries
Right now, the main "risk" is uncertainty. Neither the ethics code nor the draft law is fully detailed or final. There is no enforcement regime yet. Organisations that ignore the code today won't be punished immediately, but they may face retroactive claims if a law is enacted. Conversely, companies should not assume the draft bill's details are fixed; it could change. Another boundary: these rules apply within Venezuela. The draft law does not have an extraterritorial scope, so foreign AI providers face obligations only to the extent they operate or store data in Venezuela. Also note that the ethics code deliberately stays high-level: it does not spell out technical standards or specific audits. That means many implementation questions (e.g., how to verify "transparency") are still unresolved. In summary, it's a developing framework - organisations should be cautious about claims of compliance, and remember the code is aspirational until law comes into force.
What to do next
Organisations should start by taking stock of any AI in use and applying the new ethical principles. Review AI projects for fairness, bias and data privacy (as recommended by the code). Strengthen data governance and human oversight so systems are explainable. For example, document how key models work and ensure decisions can be audited. Update internal policies on data protection and AI use to reflect transparency and accountability. At the same time, monitor the legislative process and engage with industry groups or regulators. Prepare to register AI systems and conduct impact assessments if the law requires it. In short, align now with the published principles (and OECD/UN standards) so you are ready when formal regulation arrives.
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FAQs
Is the AI Ethics Code legally binding?
No. The Code of Ethics (Feb 2026) is advisory only. It offers guidance on ethical design and use of AI, but does not create enforceable rules or penalties. Compliance is voluntary, although it signals what regulators will likely expect.
Has Venezuela passed an AI law?
Not yet. The National Assembly approved the AI bill in first discussion (Nov 2024) but it has not completed the legislative process. Until it becomes law, no new AI-specific obligations or fines have taken effect.
What laws currently protect personal data and privacy?
Venezuela does not have a dedicated data protection statute. Instead, the constitution guarantees "habeas data" (access to and correction of personal information). Existing laws (e.g. on communications, cybercrime and specific sectors) also provide some privacy safeguards. These apply to AI systems today.
Who will enforce any new AI rules?
So far, there is no specialized AI regulator. Courts would handle constitutional rights cases, and current agencies (like telecom regulators) cover general issues. The proposed AI law, if passed, would create a new National AI Agency to oversee compliance. Until then, enforcement of any AI-related issue would rely on existing authorities.
If my AI system uses personal data, am I safe under current law?
You must still follow the constitution's data rights and related laws. Individuals can seek remedies under habeas data to correct improper data use. The new code and draft law emphasize privacy, but for now any breach of privacy would be addressed through the existing legal system.
Does the law apply to AI services from outside Venezuela?
The draft law focuses on acts within Venezuela. It doesn't explicitly say it covers foreign companies, but if a foreign AI service processes data of Venezuelans, it could fall under local jurisdiction. In practice, companies offering AI to Venezuelan users should be aware of Venezuelan rules.
What happens if an AI system discriminates or violates rights now?
Currently, victims rely on existing rights (like equal protection or privacy laws) to challenge harmful AI. The Code urges fair and non-discriminatory design, but has no sanction. If the bill becomes law, specific penalties (from fines to imprisonment) could apply to such abuses.
How should I start preparing for these changes?
Begin by aligning your AI practices with the ethics code's principles. Evaluate your AI for bias, document decision processes, and ensure data is handled lawfully. Keep informed about the draft law and plan to comply with any new requirements (such as system registration or audits) once they are finalized.