Responsible Innovation: Israel's Policy on Artificial Intelligence Regulation and Ethics
This document outlines Israel's first-ever policy on artificial intelligence regulation and ethics, published by the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology in December 2023. It recommends a flexible, risk-based, and sector-specific approach to foster responsible AI innovation in the private sector while addressing key challenges such as bias, transparency, safety, and accountability. Additionally, the policy proposes establishing an AI Policy Coordination Center and various forums to ensure inter-agency coordination and multistakeholder cooperation.
Summary and content fields are drawn from the document text and are pending editorial review.
Who issued it
Who it governs
This document is for government regulators, policymakers, industry actors, and researchers seeking to understand Israel's national strategy and regulatory framework for artificial intelligence.
What the document contains
The document covers the strategic approach of the Israeli government toward AI regulation and ethics in the private sector, identifying seven core challenges and outlining seven actionable recommendations for regulators and policymakers. It addresses the establishment of an AI Policy Coordination Center, sector-specific regulatory empowerment, ethical principles, and international interoperability.
The document does not establish legally binding horizontal legislation or direct civil and criminal liability rules, nor does it provide a full discussion of public sector AI applications or detailed technical specifications for individual industrial sectors.
- Israel's AI Policy advocates for a sector-specific, risk-based approach to AI regulation rather than rigid horizontal legislation.
- The framework focuses on promoting responsible AI innovation in the private sector while mitigating key risks such as discrimination, lack of transparency, and privacy concerns.
- Six core regulatory principles guide the policy: empowering sectoral regulators, international interoperability, risk-based interventions, incremental and experimental development, soft regulatory tools, and multistakeholder cooperation.
- The policy adopts a set of ethical AI principles closely aligned with OECD guidelines, covering growth, human-centric design, equality, transparency, robustness, and accountability.
- An AI Policy Coordination Center and dedicated forums are proposed to support inter-agency coordination, sector mapping, and ongoing stakeholder engagement.
· Introduction · Scope · Regulatory and Ethical Challenges · Recommendations on a Regulation and Ethics Policy on Artificial Intelligence 1. Establishing a governmental policy framework for AI regulation 2. Adopting a common set of ethical AI principles 3. Establishing an AI Policy Coordination Center 4. Mapping the uses of AI and the associated challenges in regulated sectors 5. Establishing a forum of regulators and a forum for public participation on AI policy 6. Active involvement in developing regulation and standards in international forums 7. Developing tools for responsible AI, including a risk management tool
How it scores
Each score is backed by a quote verified against the document text. Editorial review has not yet confirmed them.
Fairness
4/5Non-discrimination and equitable treatment
Consideration should be given to risks of biases and discrimination against individuals or groups, while bearing in mind AI's potential to promote equality.
2. Adopting a common set of ethical AI principles
screening score · 2026-10-23
Human Dignity
4/5Respect for the inherent worth of persons
the development and use of an AI system should respect the rule of law, fundamental rights and public interests, and in particular, it should preserve human dignity and the right to privacy.
2. Adopting a common set of ethical AI principles
screening score · 2026-10-23
Human Oversight
4/5Humans remain in control of consequential decisions
The main questions, then, are (1) when should human involvement be required, and (2) how should the interaction and division of responsibility between a human and an AI system be shaped
Regulatory and Ethical Challenges
screening score · 2026-10-23
Privacy
4/5Protection of personal data and private life
Clearly, privacy concerns must be addressed in the development and use of AI systems, as well as in the elaboration of regulatory policy in this field.
Regulatory and Ethical Challenges
screening score · 2026-10-23
Transparency
4/5Openness about how AI systems work and are used
To the extent possible and in appropriate cases, individuals should be: (1) informed that they are interacting with an AI system, (2) notified if an AI system is being used to make recommendations or decisions involving them, and (3) provided with an understandable explanation
2. Adopting a common set of ethical AI principles
screening score · 2026-10-23
Enforcement
1/5Consequences and compliance mechanisms with real force
Civil and criminal liability frameworks presume agency on the part of an individual.
Regulatory and Ethical Challenges
screening score · 2026-10-23
Impact Assessment
4/5Required assessment of an AI system's risks/impacts before or during use
government entities and relevant regulators should take immediate measures to map out the concrete uses of AI systems by their respective regulated entities, as well as the challenges and risks that these systems pose.
4. Mapping the uses of AI and the associated challenges in regulated sectors
screening score · 2026-10-23