Ctrl+AI+Reg - 19 March 2026
Your shortcut to AI regulation, law and policy updates around the world.
AI Regulation Updates
In this issue:
Updates from US x Japan, EU, Azerbaijan, US, Canada, South Korea, Australia, Kenya.
Lawsuit update from Encyclopedia Britannica v OpenAI.
Opinion on emerging patterns and themes in latest regulatory approaches to agentic AI.
Opinion on tokenomics and why they could be a powerful lever for AI governance and regulation.
See more on my Global AI Regulation Tracker (English version | Chinese version)
Global
🇺🇸🇯🇵 [17 March 2026] Japan and US eye joint development of AI shipbuilding robots: It is reported that the US and Japan have initiated discussions to jointly develop AI technologies for shipbuilding robots, aiming to enhance efficiency and address labor shortages in the shipbuilding industry. This collaboration reflects a broader trend of international partnerships leveraging AI and robotics to modernize industrial processes.
Europe
🇪🇺 [12 March 2026] European Commission opens consultation on draft implementing regulation on conduct of certain proceedings pursuant to EU AI Act: The European Commission has opened a consultation on the draft Implementing Regulation regarding the conduct of proceedings under the EU AI Act. The draft: (1) requires AI providers to provide timely access to necessary elements such as APIs, source code, and infrastructure when requested by the Commission, and may mandate the disabling of logging measures that could track this access; (2) establishes that access levels must be equivalent to those available to the provider’s employees and outlines procedures for initiating and concluding proceedings against general-purpose AI model providers, including interim measures for urgent health or safety risks; (3) includes procedural safeguards for addressees, rules for protecting business secrets, and specifies a five-year limitation period for imposing fines; (4) mandates digital communication requirements, including qualified electronic signatures; and (5) sets criteria for the independence of experts involved in evaluations, ensuring they have no conflicts of interest. The consultation will close on 9 April 2026.
🇦🇿 [17 March 2026] Azerbaijan passes bill on AI content regulation in first reading: The Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan has approved a new bill in its first reading aimed at prohibiting the illegal creation and distribution of materials generated via AI. The proposed legislation introduces significant fines and criminal penalties for those found guilty of producing deceptive digital content. Specifically, it prohibits creating photos, videos, or audio materials that do not reflect reality using AI technologies and specialized software by utilizing a person’s image or voice without their explicit consent. Violations will be punishable by fines ranging from 3,000 to 7,000 manats, community service, or imprisonment for up to three years. Stricter punishments are outlined for offenses involving blackmail or pornographic content, with imprisonment terms ranging from three to seven years. Additionally, the bill mandates that any AI-generated content displayed publicly must be clearly labeled to indicate its origin.