Record STMT-WDCDC17Soft law

Inter-American Guidelines on Data Governance and AI

Guidelines International lawAmericasdraft

The Inter-American Guidelines on Data Governance and AI provide a comprehensive reference framework developed by the Department for Effective Public Management of the OAS. The document outlines twelve key themes ranging from cross-cutting principles and institutional strengthening to research, cybersecurity, and open data to support regional digital transformation. It aims to harmonize policies, ensure respect for human rights, and foster multi-stakeholder collaboration across the Americas.

Summary and content fields are drawn from the document text and are pending editorial review.

Who issued it

Department for Effective Public Management of the OASIntergovernmental

Lead issuer

Organization of American StatesIntergovernmental

Publisher

Legal forceSoft law

Under whose authorityInternational law

Judged fromfull text

Who it governs

National governmentState or provincial governmentPublic sector bodiesAI developers and providersAI deployers and usersResearchers and academics

National and subnational policymakers, public officials, and stakeholders in the Americas seeking guidance on implementing data governance and artificial intelligence frameworks.

Sectors

Cross-sectorPublic administration · state digital transformation and public servicesResearch and science · research and development in data governance and AI

What the document contains

What's covered

The document covers twelve core themes relating to data and AI governance in the Americas, detailing actionable recommendations for cross-cutting policies, international alignment, institutional strengthening, data culture, human rights protection, data governance frameworks, and cybersecurity. It provides guidance on data lifecycle management, interoperability, open data strategies, research and development, and impact monitoring.

What's missing

Specific binding legal enforcement mechanisms or penalties for non-compliance are not stated, as this serves as a regional working document and guidance framework.

Key takeaways

The guidelines establish a regional reference framework for data governance and artificial intelligence across twelve thematic areas.
Member states are encouraged to align their national policies with Inter-American human rights standards and international frameworks such as UNESCO's AI ethics recommendations.
The document emphasizes the importance of multi-stakeholder dialogue involving governments, the private sector, academia, and civil society.
Countries should build robust institutional capacities, including specialized technical entities, digital literacy programs, and open data policies.
Robust cybersecurity and risk management frameworks are highlighted as essential to protect critical infrastructure and safeguard individual rights.

Principles it states

Adherence to the Inter-American human rights frameworkTransparency, explainability, and ethics in AI and data lifecycle managementInclusivity, non-discrimination, and respect for cultural diversityMulti-stakeholder collaboration and dialogueEnvironmental sustainability and sustainable development

Outline

1. Data governance and artificial intelligence cross-cutting guidelines
2. Alignment with international and multilateral initiatives on data governance and artificial intelligence
3. Strengthening and consolidating Institutions for data governance and artificial intelligence
4. Data and artificial intelligence culture
5. Ethics, transparency, and protection of human rights in data governance and artificial intelligence
6. Data governance frameworks
7. Data infrastructures
8. Ecosystem dynamization and multi-stakeholder alliances for data and artificial intelligence governance
9. Maximizing the impact of data management and artificial intelligence
10. Research and development in data governance and artificial intelligence
11. Open data
12. Cybersecurity

IssuedNot recorded

Length5,757 words · 23 pages

FormatNot recorded

Scoperegional

How it scores

Pending review

Each score is backed by a quote verified against the document text. Editorial review has not yet confirmed them.

Accountability

4/5

Clear responsibility for AI outcomes

Clearly define the processes, roles, and responsibilities of various actors involved across the data lifecycle, from collection or production to protection, analysis, sharing, reuse, and application.

Section 3

screening score · 2026-10-23

Fairness

4/5

Non-discrimination and equitable treatment

Develop dynamic and flexible regulatory frameworks that balance inno - vation with the protection of human rights in data and artificial intelligence lifecycle management, ensuring transparency, ethics, inclusion, and non-discrimination.

Section 3

screening score · 2026-10-23

Human Oversight

2/5

Humans remain in control of consequential decisions

Implement measures to ensure full explainability and transparency in deci- sion-making processes that leverage data and artificial intelligence, particularly when used in processes related to rights assu - rance.

Section 5

screening score · 2026-10-23

Privacy

4/5

Protection of personal data and private life

Adopt necessary guidelines to ensure the protection of personal data and privacy, observing Inter-American principles on this matter and other applicable Inter-American standards related to transparency, access to information, and open government in data and artificial intelligence governance initia- tives.

Section 5

screening score · 2026-10-23

Transparency

4/5

Openness about how AI systems work and are used

Implement measures to ensure full explainability and transparency in deci- sion-making processes that leverage data and artificial intelligence, particularly when used in processes related to rights assu - rance.

Section 5

screening score · 2026-10-23

Enforcement

1/5

Consequences and compliance mechanisms with real force

Implement reporting mechanisms within their countries regarding compliance with this reference framework and report adherence to these guidelines to the CAJP of the OAS.

Section 1

screening score · 2026-10-23

Impact Assessment

4/5

Required assessment of an AI system's risks/impacts before or during use

Instruments such as prior impact assessments, audits, and post- impact evaluations will be encouraged.

Section 5

screening score · 2026-10-23

Topics

data_governance artificial_intelligence human_rights cybersecurity open_data public_administration