BNamericas – AI regulation taking shape in Central America

Debates over artificial intelligence (AI) regulation in Latin America have intensified in recent years, and 2025 is expected to be a pivotal year, with numerous AI-related discussions taking place in the region’s congresses.

According to recent research by legal firm Nubiox, approximately 109 legislative proposals on AI are currently under debate across Latin America. 

The study, which covers Mexico, Argentina, Peru, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Costa Rica and Panama, found that 50% of these proposals focus on regulating AI technology, while only 10% aim to create incentives for AI investment and development.

In Central America, El Salvador recently became the first country in the region to approve an AI law, while Costa Rica is debating AI legislation that has raised concerns within the industry.

“While many countries are discussing AI regulation from a control and risk mitigation perspective, El Salvador has taken a different route – fostering innovation,” Daniel Rodríguez Maffioli, lawyer and founder of legal firm Datalex, wrote on social media.

“Its recently passed artificial intelligence law establishes a framework to boost AI research, development and adoption, rather than focusing on excessive restrictions,” he added.

Conversely, AI-related bills under discussion in Costa Rica’s parliament have faced criticism from industry representatives. In a joint statement, ICT and commercial chambers Camtic and CCCR, respectively, warned that approving one of the proposed bills “would have counterproductive effects on local innovation and foreign investment, hindering the development of a technology that is only just beginning to expand massively.”

“Concern is heightened by the fact that the three bills are being discussed separately, even though they seek to regulate the same issue,” the chambers stated.

BNamericas takes a closer look at the recent AI regulatory developments in El Salvador and Costa Rica.

El Salvador

The national legislative assembly has approved a new AI law aimed at promoting the development, research and application of AI in the education system and private sector.

The new regulatory framework includes the creation of AI laboratories, research centers and the national agency for artificial intelligence (ANIA), which will be responsible for enforcing the law. ANIA will be a decentralized institution with functional and technical autonomy but will remain attached to the presidency.

Additionally, a national registry for the development of artificial intelligence will be established, managed by ANIA, to identify AI developers and operators and ensure the ethical and responsible use of AI.

The law also stipulates that all intellectual property – including patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets – resulting from AI research, development or innovation conducted within El Salvador will belong exclusively to the developing entity or individual.

Costa Rica

A bill proposing the responsible promotion of AI in Costa Rica has received approval from the human rights committee of congress.

Modeled after European regulations, the proposal includes provisions on data and privacy protection and requires AI design to align with principles of equity, transparency, ethics, responsibility, equality and human dignity.

The bill also calls for the creation of an inter-institutional commission for AI development, operating under the ministry of science and technology (Micitt).

According to local media outlet CR Hoy, discussion forums have been set up to ensure that AI users’ needs are taken into account.

Camtic and CCCR have also urged congress to open discussions with stakeholders from the public sector, business chambers, technology associations, universities and civil society.