Administrative Oversight of Artificial Intelligence in Public Facilities: A Legal Analytical Study in Iraqi Legislation

Abstract

The world is witnessing rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, posing new challenges to administrative and oversight systems across various sectors. This research aims to examine the concept of administrative oversight of AI systems, highlighting its importance in ensuring the ethical and safe use of these technologies, enhancing transparency and explainability, defining legal responsibilities, and protecting data and privacy. The study also reviews global legal and ethical frameworks, such as the OECD Principles, the World Economic Forum recommendations, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the European Commission’s White Paper, and the U.S. National AI Initiative Act. The research concludes that establishing a comprehensive national framework for administrative oversight of AI, based on international standards and adapted to the local context, is an urgent necessity to balance innovation with rights protection.

With the rapid development of AI technologies and their increasing use in managing and operating public utilities, there is a pressing need to establish effective administrative oversight mechanisms in line with Iraqi legislation. This research aims to analyze the legal and regulatory framework for administrative oversight of AI in public utilities by examining relevant Iraqi laws, such as the Amended Law No. (14) of 1991 on the Discipline of State and Public-Sector Employees, the Personal Data Protection Law (if enacted), and existing ministerial regulations and instructions. It also addresses administrative principles related to legality, transparency, accountability, and privacy protection, and assesses their alignment with international standards such as the OECD Guidelines and the GDPR. The research concludes that although the Iraqi legislative framework contains general provisions for oversight of public utility performance, it still requires specific regulations governing the use of AI and defining its controls to achieve a balance between innovation and safeguarding citizens’ fundamental rights.