Slovenia

Slovenia’s approach to internet governance focuses on ensuring a secure, inclusive, and efficient digital environment. This effort is characterized by the integration of various stakeholders, the implementation of comprehensive strategies, and active participation in international forums.

Key Regulatory Bodies

1. Agency for Communication Networks and Services (AKOS): AKOS is the primary regulator for telecommunications, ensuring compliance with both national and EU regulations. It promotes competition, safeguards consumer rights, and oversees the development of internet infrastructure.
2. Information Commissioner: This office is responsible for data protection and access to public information, ensuring adherence to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and national privacy laws.
3. Ministry of Digital Transformation: This ministry leads the formulation and implementation of digital policies. The Ministry monitors and analyses the state of digital transformation and the information society at the national level. It is responsible for the areas of the information society, electronic communications, digital inclusion, digital competencies, the data economy, management of information and communication systems, and the provision of electronic public administration services. 

Slovenian stakeholders are active participants in various internet governance forums and initiatives at the regional and global levels. Slovenian stakeholders participate in the annual South Eastern European Dialogue on Internet Governance (SEE+) and Dialogue on Internet Governance (EuroDIG) events, which bring together stakeholders from the region to discuss digital policy-related issues and challenges. At the global level, Slovenia is a member of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF). Slovenia also has a national internet governance initiative called SloIGF.

Slovenia has adopted several digital strategies in recent years to guide its digital transformation process.

• Slovenia’s Strategy for the digital transformation of the economy covers the period from 2021 to 2030 and focuses on advanced digital technologies. The strategy addresses three main or priority areas. The first presents the advanced digital technologies that enable the digital transformation of the economy in the first place, the second focuses on an effective ecosystem for a competitive economy, and the third focuses on an open and sustainable society as the basis for the growth of the digital economy.
• The Digital Slovenia 2030 Strategy is a comprehensive document with specific, measurable indicators across various thematic areas, aiming to promote the development and use of AI by 2025 and enhance digital public services. The strategy aims to promote the use of advanced digital technologies, such as AI, the internet of things, big data, blockchain, high-performance computing, quantum computing, and 5G technologies, to drive economic growth and competitiveness. Slovenia’s progress in digitalization is monitored through the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI), where significant advancements have been made in enterprises’ integration of digital technologies.

Slovenia has been proactive in enhancing its cybersecurity measures through various initiatives and strategies. 

• Slovenia implemented its Cyber Security Strategy in 2016 to ensure a high level of cybersecurity. The strategy covers various strategic topics, such as cybercrime, citizen awareness, critical information infrastructure protection, international cooperation, and incident response capability
• In 2009, the Computer Investigation Centre was established within the Criminal Police Directorate. In addition, six police departments for computer investigation are operating on a regional level within all major police directorates in the country. Also, the National Investigating Bureau employs computer forensic experts. As regards the State Prosecution Office, there are no separate departments for the prosecution of cybercrime, but some state prosecutors are specialised (or are specialising) in this area.
• The main contact point for reporting network security incidents involving systems and networks located in Slovenia is SI-CERT, Slovenian Computer Emergency Response Team. It is operating in the scope of the Academic and Research Network of Slovenia (ARNES).
• In 2020, The Government Information Security Office was established. The office is the national authority responsible for information security, aiming to enhance resilience against cyber threats affecting individuals, businesses, government, and society. GISO coordinates the national information security system at a strategic level, focusing on essential service providers in sectors like energy, healthcare, transport, and more, as well as digital service providers and state administration authorities.
• In Slovenia, also Safer Internet Centre SAFE.SI is active. This national project is aimed at promoting and ensuring a better and safer internet and mobile phone use for children, teenagers, parents and teachers. It is co-financed by the European Union. Part of it is a hotline for reporting hate speech and child sexual abuse images on the internet, called Spletno oko (Online Eye).
• Slovenia has approved the NIS2 directive, which aims to significantly contribute to strengthening EU cybersecurity.
• Slovenia has ratified CoE Convention on Cybercrime (Budapest Convention)

There is a significant focus on AI in Slovenia, with the government adopting its National AI programme. Slovenia has a rich history in AI research, with institutions like the Jožef Stefan Institute (JSI) leading in AI research and innovation. The International Research Center on Artificial Intelligence (IRCAI) in Slovenia is pioneering unique AI solutions globally, focusing on human-driven purposes and societal benefits.

The Slovenian Artificial Intelligence Society (SLAIS) has played a crucial role in advancing AI research and technology transfer in the country since its establishment in 1992. SLAIS collaborates with universities, research institutes, and industrial organisations to promote both theoretical and applied AI research. Notably, several SLAIS members have received prestigious awards for their contributions to the field of AI in Europe.