The government of Antigua and Barbuda is moving to introduce legislation to regulate the use of artificial intelligence (AI), as part of efforts to prepare the country for the growing influence of emerging technologies.

Chief of Staff Lionel Max Hurst confirmed at Monday’s post-Cabinet press briefing that the Ministry of Legal Affairs is working urgently to draft new laws, with the aim of ensuring that AI development and deployment are properly governed.

“There is an understanding that this must move quickly,” Hurst said. “We are collaborating with universities and international legal experts to ensure that Antigua and Barbuda’s legislation aligns with global standards.”

The legislation is expected to address cross-cutting issues such as data privacy, ethical use of AI, and safeguards against autonomous systems operating without human oversight. Hurst warned that, without careful regulation, AI could develop in ways that outpace human control.

The move complements the government’s broader plan to position the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus as a regional hub for AI education and research.

While no timeline was given for the completion of the draft laws, officials indicated that the matter is being treated as a priority.

Antigua and Barbuda joins a growing number of countries seeking to establish early frameworks for managing the risks and opportunities associated with artificial intelligence.