The government will establish a National Office for AI Development and Regulation by January 2026, pushing the publication of a national AI strategy to a later date.
Details about the plans have been revealed following a series of Tynwald questions from Lib Vannin leader Lawrie Hooper.
Minister for Enterprise Tim Johnston confirmed the altered timeline in response to a question on whether the Digital Agency still intended to bring an AI strategy to Tynwald by the end of 2025.
He said the original commitment had been reconsidered after an AI Strategy Workshop received unanimous support for creating a dedicated office first.
Prematurely
“Bringing the Strategy before Tynwald prematurely, without the organisational structure in place to implement and oversee it, would risk producing a document that lacks ownership, coherence, and accountability,” Mr Johnston said.
“The establishment of the Office first ensures that the Strategy, when tabled, is informed by cross-government input, aligned with international best practice and supported by the capacity to deliver on its commitments.”
Development
In a separate question about the office’s budget, constitution, and responsibilities, Chief Minister Alf Cannan said the development project is underway.
However, Mr Cannan added that an indicative budget and final structure are yet to be determined.
Mr Johnston also said a decision is yet to be made on whether the Digital Agency’s current AI growth initiative would be transferred to the new office.
He said: “The proposal to establish a National Office for AI Development and Regulation is intended to provide the structure through which government can coordinate activity, manage risks, and set strategic direction for AI across both the public sector and the wider economy,” adding that “no final decisions have yet been made on how responsibilities will be divided”.