AI Regulation ReferenceLaw for the Promotion of Artificial Intelligence and Technologies
Obligations Covered
ANIA Registration #
El Salvador's AI law is the first in Latin America to require registration with a national AI authority. Registration with ANIA unlocks liability protections (immunity for third-party misuse if reasonable safety measures were taken) and access to tax incentives — creating a meaningful incentive structure for compliance. All natural and legal persons engaged in AI research, development, or deployment must register.
Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| ANIA registration | All entities engaged in AI research, development, or application must register with the Agencia Nacional de Inteligencia Artificial |
| National AI registry | ANIA maintains a national registry of registered AI systems and actors |
| Liability access | Registration required to access statutory liability protections for third-party misuse |
| Ongoing compliance | Registration must be maintained; ANIA sets technical security criteria for registered entities |
High-Risk AI Impact Assessment #
Mandatory impact assessments apply to AI systems handling confidential, personal, or restricted data, or deployed in critical sectors (healthcare, finance, public administration). ANIA establishes the risk-assessment framework. This is a risk-based approach analogous to the EU AI Act but with a pro-innovation tilt: lighter obligations for lower-risk systems.
Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Impact assessment | Mandatory impact assessments for high-risk AI systems before deployment |
| High-risk definition | Systems handling sensitive/personal/restricted data or operating in critical sectors (healthcare, finance, public administration) |
| Risk framework | ANIA establishes and maintains the risk-assessment framework balancing innovation and safety |
| Sandbox testing | Controlled testing environments (regulatory sandboxes) available for experimental AI activities |
Algorithmic Transparency #
Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Algorithmic transparency | Entities must ensure transparency in AI algorithms |
| Ethical standards | Adherence to ethical standards including non-discrimination in AI development and deployment |
| Data protection compliance | AI systems must comply with El Salvador's data privacy laws |
| Anti-competitive prohibition | Private companies cannot adopt anti-competitive practices limiting AI development, marketing, or implementation |