Colorado SB-169 and New York's A08369 are laws aimed at protecting consumers from unfair discrimination in insurance practices by restricting insurers' use of external consumer data, algorithms, and predictive models. The laws define external customer data and information sources, algorithms, and predictive models, and prohibit their use if they result in disproportionately negative outcomes for protected classifications such as race, ethnicity, gender, and more. The laws also require specific rules for the types of insurance and insurance practices, as well as a risk management framework and ongoing monitoring. The superintendent or commissioner of insurance is responsible for developing these rules and conducting stakeholder consultations and investigations. Commercial policies, bonds executed by qualified surety, and title insurance are exempted from these laws. Insurtech is facing increasing regulation globally, and businesses must stay compliant to gain a competitive edge.

The International Standardisation Organisation (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) have published a voluntary standard, ISO/IEC 42001, that establishes a process for implementing AI Management Systems (AIMS) in organisations. ISO/IEC 42001 is the first process standard to outline a comprehensive governance framework for responsible and trustworthy deployment of AI systems. The standard is scalable and offers auditability, providing a foundation for external entities to certify and audit AI systems in line with the risk assessment framework. Policymakers behind the EU AI Act and legislative efforts on AI in the US may adopt the standard’s objectives and modalities to guide their regional standardisation efforts. Holistic AI, a regulatory compliance solutions provider, offers services to assist organisations in complying with applicable AI regulations and industry standards.

There is a growing focus on responsible AI practices and reducing harm around the world, with the EU and US leading the way. African countries are also developing similar initiatives, including Mauritius' AI strategy which calls for the development of a regulatory framework and ethical AI guidelines. Kenya has published a report recommending policy and regulatory initiatives to promote ethical AI, while South Africa's report outlines key AI policy considerations and calls for the establishment of an AI institute to promote innovation. Finally, Rwanda's National AI Policy places a strong emphasis on ethical AI guidelines and calls for the establishment of a Responsible AI Office to coordinate the implementation of the policy. Prioritizing responsible AI can not only reduce risk and legal liability but also create a competitive advantage.

European co-legislators have agreed a provisional agreement on the EU AI Act which seeks to harmonise AI regulations across the EU. The agreement balances innovation with fundamental rights and safety and positions the EU as a leader in digital regulation. The EU AI Act includes prohibitions on biometric identification, updated requirements for high-risk AI systems, and a two-tiered approach for general purpose AI systems. It is expected to gradually enter into force with provisions on prohibitions coming into effect within six months and provisions on transparency and governance coming into effect after twelve months. The EU AI Act will likely set a global benchmark for the ethical and responsible design, development, and deployment of AI systems.

Countries in the Middle East have launched various initiatives to promote ethical and responsible AI, but have yet to introduce binding AI-specific regulation or legislation. Tunisia's National AI Strategy is still under development, while the UAE National Strategy for AI 2031 aims to set international benchmarks for ethical and responsible AI and the Smart Dubai AI Ethics Guidelines provide a roadmap for ethical AI practices. Qatar's National AI strategy focuses on AI adoption and innovation, while Lebanon emphasizes investment in R&D and digital skills. Saudi Arabia's National Strategy for Data & AI calls for education and research, and Turkey's National AI Strategy 2021-2025 emphasizes ethical AI development, human rights, and international collaborations. Egypt's National Artificial Intelligence Strategy aims for a balanced approach to harnessing AI for economic growth while mitigating social risks, and Cyprus emphasizes cooperation to maximize investments in AI. While Middle Eastern countries have yet to introduce specific AI laws, increasing efforts worldwide to regulate AI will soon have a global effect.