Legal Framework Governing AI-Based Administrative Decisions: An Analytical Study in Light of Iraqi Legislation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64184/ajlps.V2.I3.Y2025.P436-469.137Keywords:
Administrative decision, Artificial Intelligence, Legal responsibility, Iraqi legislation, Judicial oversight, Digital transformationAbstract
Amid the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence applications, this study offers an in-depth legal analysis of the regulatory frameworks necessary to govern administrative decisions issued by intelligent systems, with a particular focus on the significant legislative gap within the Iraqi legal system. The importance of this research stems from the urgent need to keep pace with digital transformation in public administration, which brings forth fundamental challenges related to the legality of automated decisions, the ambiguity of legal accountability for their errors, and the protection of individuals’ fundamental rights in confronting such decisions. The study aims to examine the shortcomings of current Iraqi legislation, identify practical issues arising from the use of AI in administrative decision-making, and propose a comprehensive legal framework. To achieve these objectives, the research adopts an analytical approach to relevant Iraqi legal texts, alongside a comparative methodology drawing on leading international experiences, particularly the European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The findings indicate that the Iraqi legislative system, including the Electronic Signature Law, remains ill-equipped to address the distinctive nature of algorithmic decision-making. This legal uncertainty undermines principles of transparency, accountability, and judicial oversight. Consequently, the study recommends that the Iraqi legislature enact a dedicated law to regulate the use of artificial intelligence in administrative functions. It further advocates for the adoption of a "digital procedural record" as a mechanism to ensure effective oversight and safeguard the rights of individuals to information, explanation, and human review—thus fostering trust in digital governance.
References
• Constitutions and Law
• Civil Service Law No. 24 of 1960 (as amended).
• Constitution of the Republic of Iraq, 2005.
• Discipline of State and Public Sector Employees Law No. 14 of 1991.
• Electronic Signature and Electronic Transactions Law No. 78 of 2012.
• State Council Law No. 65 of 1979 (as amended).
• United Arab Emirates Personal Data Protection Law No. 45 of 2021.
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