Costa Rican Tech Group Proposes Sweeping AI and Blockchain Law Framework

A private technology industry group in Costa Rica has proposed a sweeping legislative framework for artificial intelligence, blockchain, and digital assets. The Framework Law on Digital Sovereignty and Emerging Technologies is set to run over 800 provisions, but due to its size and complexity, the authors plan to split it into eight separate bills.

The initiative was led by Stephanie Sánchez, president of the Chamber of Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies (CBIAT), who described the framework as a comprehensive technology-neutral proposal that addresses issues increasingly shaping the economy, public services, and daily life.

The proposal is organized around six areas, including digital identity and sovereignty, transparency and security in public institutions' tech infrastructure, and measures to strengthen investment, entrepreneurship, education, talent development, and Costa Rica's technological competitiveness.

According to Sánchez, the broader goal is to lay the groundwork for rights-based legislation that places people at the center of technological development. The first bill would serve as a foundational framework law setting out overarching principles and safeguards.