Baku: Azerbaijan is moving to legislate strict penalties for the use of artificial intelligence technologies in acts of sabotage. New amendments to the Criminal Code, discussed at the Milli Majlis Committee on Defense, Security, and Counter-Corruption meeting, propose severe punishments for those employing AI in harmful activities.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the amendments aim to establish stringent consequences for actions such as explosions, arson, mass poisoning, and the spread of infectious diseases. These acts, if intended to weaken Azerbaijan's scientific and technical potential or disrupt critical infrastructure such as information, energy, transport, and telecommunications networks, will result in imprisonment ranging from eight to fifteen years.

Moreover, the proposed law stipulates harsher penalties for acts committed under aggravated circumstances. If such sabotage is carried out by a criminal group, during emergencies, or by individuals abusing their official positions, and if these acts lead to death or serious consequences, the prison term could extend from twelve to twenty years.

The legislation also provides a pathway for leniency. Individuals involved in planning these acts can avoid criminal liability by informing authorities in advance or aiding in the prevention of the crime, provided their actions do not constitute another offense.