AI Policy and Regulations in Chile (2020–2025): A Comprehensive Overview

Chile has become one of Latin America’s most proactive countries in artificial intelligence governance, blending forward-looking policies with international cooperation and pioneering judicial decisions. Its approach reflects a careful balance between innovation, infrastructure development, and the protection of fundamental rights. From the launch of the National AI Policy to the landmark recognition of mental privacy as a constitutional right, Chile is shaping a distinct path in the global AI landscape.

Recent Legal Regulations (2020–2025)

Chile’s most important milestone was the adoption of the National AI Policy (2021–2030), which outlines 70 priority actions and 185 public initiatives guided by the principles of human well-being, inclusivity, and sustainable development. In 2024, a new AI regulation bill was introduced, inspired by the EU AI Act, proposing a risk-based framework to classify and regulate AI systems. The country also modernized its Personal Data Protection Law, aligning with global standards and creating an independent enforcement agency. In parallel, reforms to the Industrial Property Law expanded protections for non-traditional trademarks and introduced provisional patents. Chile has further reinforced its international alignment by signing the Cartagena Declaration and the Paris AI Charter, reflecting its commitment to global cooperation in AI governance.

Government AI Action Plan

The government’s AI strategy rests on three core pillars: enabling factors such as infrastructure and talent development, broad adoption of AI across sectors, and strong ethical governance. Public–private collaboration has been central, with institutions like GobLab UC pioneering projects such as the Ethical Algorithms initiative and the creation of a Public Algorithms Repository to enhance transparency in automated decision-making. In the public sector, agencies including SUSESO have introduced AI-driven tools to streamline claims management, showcasing practical implementation of AI in public services.

Intellectual Property and Data Usage

Chile has updated its intellectual property legislation to strengthen industrial property rights while keeping copyright strictly tied to human authorship. AI-generated works without substantial human input remain outside the scope of copyright protection. The new Personal Data Protection Law has reshaped the country’s data governance framework by introducing strict compliance obligations and empowering a new regulatory authority. In public procurement, the law requires AI systems to include mechanisms for bias detection and accountability, reinforcing Chile’s commitment to fairness and transparency.

AI Outputs and IP Protections

At present, Chilean law does not recognize AI as an author, and applications to register AI-generated works have been rejected by the Copyright Office. However, the proposed AI bill introduces exceptions for text and data mining, an important step toward enabling AI developers to access and process large datasets legally. This is expected to stimulate innovation while continuing to safeguard creators’ rights.

AI Investments and Computing Power

Public and private investment in AI has accelerated. The Chilean government has pledged USD 116 million over the next decade for AI research, training, and adoption, while venture capital flows are projected to reach USD 450 million in 2025. Chile also leads the region in data infrastructure, with a National Data Center Plan worth USD 2.5 billion and its role as a landing hub for multiple submarine internet cables. These advancements strengthen Chile’s position as a regional AI hub, though persistent challenges remain in addressing the digital divide and scaling the domestic talent pool to meet rising demand.

Judicial Decisions on AI

Chile’s judiciary has already made history by recognizing mental privacy as a constitutional right. In a landmark 2023 ruling, the Supreme Court determined that neurodata collected by consumer brain–computer interface devices constitutes highly sensitive information that cannot be used without explicit informed consent. This decision has become a global reference point for regulating emerging neurotechnologies. In addition, Chilean legal debates emphasize the importance of maintaining human oversight in judicial processes, with AI envisioned as a support tool but never a decision-maker.

Conclusion

Between 2020 and 2025, Chile has established itself as a regional leader in AI governance through a combination of legal modernization, ethical safeguards, infrastructure development, and international alignment. Its policies and judicial precedents reflect a deep commitment to ensuring that AI benefits society while respecting rights and transparency. With initiatives such as the Latam-GPT project, which seeks to represent Latin America’s cultural and linguistic diversity in AI systems, Chile is also asserting its technical and cultural influence on the global stage.

For deeper analysis of Chile’s legal reforms, national AI strategy, and infrastructure roadmap, read the full report: AI Policy and Regulations of Chile – A Comprehensive Report.