AI regulation in Palau (2026)

Palau has passed no law, regulation, or formal national strategy specifically addressing artificial intelligence. It is among the Pacific Island states that have not developed government-led AI governance frameworks, with digital efforts directed at broader ICT infrastructure buildout.

In April 2026, President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. signed an executive order creating the Office of Applied Technology and Strategy to centralise government technology planning and strengthen cybersecurity and e-government. AI was mentioned by the President as a future topic but is not the operative subject of the order.

Palau adopted its National Cybersecurity Strategy and Policy 2026–2030, signed by President Whipps following ITU-facilitated co-creation workshops in September 2025. The strategy focuses on critical-infrastructure protection and cyber resilience and does not establish AI-specific rules.

Palau participated in IPU-convened inter-parliamentary discussions on AI governance challenges for small island states, alongside Tonga, Vanuatu, and the Cook Islands. Parliaments were asked to provide progress updates by June 2026, indicating awareness-building rather than enacted policy.

None of the 16 Pacific Island countries, including Palau, had an active national AI strategy or enacted AI-specific legislation as of 2025–2026. Regional AI-related efforts focus on foundational digital and ICT development rather than AI governance frameworks.