General

AI Sovereignty

National or regional control over AI development, data, and infrastructure independent of foreign providers.

How the laws define this

Both sources establish that AI sovereignty involves maintaining control over AI infrastructure or hardware, data, and algorithms or technological development to avoid or reduce dependence on foreign or non-European entities. They share a core goal of maintaining technological control to limit reliance on external providers. The primary point of divergence lies in geographical scope. Under [اساسنامه سازمان ملی هوش مصنوعی], AI sovereignty is framed strictly as a strategic objective focused on developing and managing technology within national borders to prevent foreign dependency entirely. In contrast, the International Strategy for Safe and Responsible AI Transition defines sovereignty at a broader regional level, emphasizing the capacity of the Netherlands and Europe to retain control over technological assets, reduce dependence on a limited number of non-European providers, and strengthen collective resilience in the global AI value chain.

Synthesised from the 2 statutory definitions below. Each one is quoted in full, with its source.

How jurisdictions differ

What is distinctive in each definition, binding law in force first.

Jurisdiction	Instrument	Status	What is distinctive
Iran	Statute of the National Artificial Intelligence Organization	In Force	This definition narrows AI sovereignty to a strategic objective of developing and managing hardware, data, and algorithms strictly within national borders via a centralized organization.
Netherlands	International Strategy for Safe and Responsible AI Transition	In Force	This definition widens AI sovereignty to include Europe's collective resilience in the global AI value chain alongside national control over infrastructure, data, and development.

What it triggers

In Iran, it establishes a national organization to centralize AI governance, infrastructure, and strategic development.source
The Netherlands' International Strategy for Safe and Responsible AI Transition sets out a commitment to fostering safe, fair, and responsible AI globally through international collaboration.source

Definitions (2)

The strategic objective of ensuring that AI hardware, data, and algorithms are developed and managed within national borders to prevent foreign dependency.

اساسنامه سازمان ملی هوش مصنوعیDefinition 1 of 2

'AI sovereignty' refers to the ability of the Netherlands and Europe to maintain control over their AI infrastructure, data, and technological development, thereby reducing dependence on a limited number of non-European providers and strengthening collective resilience in the global AI value chain.

International Strategy for Safe and Responsible AI TransitionDefinition 2 of 2

Not to be confused with

Technological Sovereignty

Technological sovereignty focuses on the ability to develop and maintain AI independently of foreign suppliers, while AI sovereignty emphasizes control over development, data, and infrastructure.

Sovereign AI

Sovereign AI prioritizes domestic-focused development with local capacity and open standards, whereas AI sovereignty covers broader control independent of foreign providers.

Questions and answers

What does AI sovereignty require in Iran?

In Iran, AI sovereignty is the strategic objective of ensuring AI hardware, data, and algorithms are developed and managed within national borders to prevent foreign dependency. This is achieved through the Statute of the National Artificial Intelligence Organization, which centralizes AI governance, infrastructure, and strategic development.

How does the Netherlands define AI sovereignty?

The Netherlands defines AI sovereignty as maintaining control over AI infrastructure, data, and technological development to reduce dependence on non-European providers and strengthen collective European resilience in the global AI value chain. This is outlined in its International Strategy for Safe and Responsible AI Transition.

What organizations handle AI sovereignty?

Iran's National Artificial Intelligence Organization centralizes AI governance to ensure sovereignty. The Netherlands' strategy promotes international collaboration without specifying a central organization.