Detailed overview
ASEAN does not have a binding regional AI Act. Instead, ASEAN has adopted official guidance for AI governance and ethics to support responsible AI across Southeast Asia. The main instrument is the ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics, which is intended for organisations designing, developing and deploying AI in commercial and non-military contexts.
Regional consistency
The ASEAN Guide supports regional consistency and interoperability. It helps organisations structure AI governance, risk management, transparency, accountability, human oversight, fairness, robustness, security and stakeholder engagement. It is useful for AI projects operating across ASEAN countries, especially where the same AI system is deployed in several Southeast Asian markets.
Generative AI guide
ASEAN has also adopted an expanded guide for generative AI. The generative AI guide addresses risks such as inaccurate responses, disinformation, intellectual-property infringement, privacy and confidentiality risks, deepfakes, impersonation, fraud, malicious use and embedded bias. Its governance dimensions include accountability, data, trusted development and deployment, incident reporting, testing and assurance, security, content provenance, safety and alignment research, and AI for public good.
Voluntary, not statutory
The ASEAN guides are voluntary and do not replace national laws. Each ASEAN Member State may regulate AI differently through data protection, cybersecurity, consumer protection, online content, financial regulation, healthcare regulation, employment law or future AI-specific legislation.
Penalties
There is no ASEAN-level AI penalty table. Penalties depend on the national law of the relevant ASEAN Member State and the sector or activity involved.