Ecuador's government has published a comprehensive strategy to promote the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence, outlining regulation, education, and technological zones.
On January 19, 2026, Ecuador's Official Register published the Strategy for Promoting the Development and Ethical and Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence, set forth in agreement No. MINTEL-MINTEL-2025-0030 by the Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Society. The document aims to boost the safe, ethical, and responsible development, implementation, and adoption of artificial intelligence, aligning with national legal frameworks, international principles, and the current demands of various productive and social sectors in Ecuador.
The strategy was formulated beginning in October 2024, involving multiple teams working collaboratively over a projected period of four years, until 2029. This comprehensive approach aims not only to address the future integration of AI technologies in different sectors but also emphasizes the necessity for an educational framework and the establishment of technological free zones to stimulate innovation and investment.
To craft this roadmap, the Ministry utilized a diagnostic report created from both international and local sources. Among these was the Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index from ECLAC, which categorizes Ecuador as a 'late adopter' regarding AI adoption. Recognizing this positioning, the strategy seeks to foster growth in the sector while ensuring adherence to ethical standards and responsiveness to the needs of Ecuadorian society and its economy.
