Ecuador Pioneers Ethics in AI with First Public Sector Code

Published Date : 12/06/2025 

UNESCO lauds Ecuador for adopting the first AI Code of Ethics in a public institution, setting a precedent in Latin America. 

Quito, June 2025 — The UNESCO Office in Ecuador has expressed deep satisfaction with the official presentation of the Code of Ethics for the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Guide for the Use of AI Tools by the Superintendence of Economic Competition (SCE). This event was led by the highest authority, Dr. Hans Ehmig, and marks a significant milestone in the region.

This achievement sets a precedent in Latin America, as it is the first ethical regulatory framework adopted by a public institution in Ecuador to govern the use of AI. The initiative represents a crucial step toward a digital transformation that balances technological innovation, economic productivity, and the protection of human rights and dignity.

The event was attended by Julio Cesar Guanche, Programme Coordinator for Social and Human Sciences at UNESCO’s Office in Ecuador, and Valeria Arguello, a member of UNESCO’s #Women4EthicalAI network. During the session, Dr. Hans Ehmig presented the institutional vision of the Superintendence of Economic Competition. He emphasized the motto “Use AI with discernment” as a guiding principle, underscoring that artificial intelligence must serve the public interest and be guided by ethical principles and human oversight.

The Code and the Guide establish a set of core principles that govern the use of AI in institutional management, including:

• Transparency and accountability

• Human oversight and control

• Fairness and impartiality

• Privacy by design and by default

• Non-discrimination and inclusion

• Confidentiality and discretion

• Innovation and continuous improvement

• Security and resilience

These principles are fully aligned with the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, adopted by Member States in 2021. This recommendation promotes a human-centered, inclusive, fair, and sustainable approach to AI.

UNESCO recognizes this effort as a model for ethical technology governance in the public sector and congratulates the Superintendence of Economic Competition for its pioneering leadership. This initiative demonstrates that when institutions commit to responsible innovation, the country moves toward a more just, transparent, and resilient future. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the significance of the AI Code of Ethics in Ecuador?

A: The AI Code of Ethics in Ecuador is significant because it is the first ethical regulatory framework adopted by a public institution in the country, setting a precedent in Latin America for responsible AI use.

Q: Who led the official presentation of the AI Code of Ethics?

A: The official presentation of the AI Code of Ethics was led by Dr. Hans Ehmig, the highest authority of the Superintendence of Economic Competition (SCE).

Q: What are the core principles established by the Code and Guide?

A: The core principles include transparency, human oversight, fairness, privacy, non-discrimination, confidentiality, innovation, and security.

Q: How does this initiative align with UNESCO's recommendations?

A: This initiative aligns with the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, which promotes a human-centered, inclusive, fair, and sustainable approach to AI.

Q: What are the potential benefits of this ethical framework?

A: The potential benefits include enhanced public trust, improved technological innovation, better protection of human rights, and a more just and resilient future for the country. 

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