The Legal Framework for Governing Artificial Intelligence in Iraqi Commercial Companies: A Critical Analysis of Legislative Challenges and A Regulatory Model

Abstract

Purpose: This study examines the adequacy of the existing Iraqi legal framework for regulating the growing use of artificial intelligence in commercial companies. It focuses on emerging legal challenges related to liability, privacy, algorithmic discrimination, employee rights, and consumer protection. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study adopts a qualitative, analytical-critical, and comparative legal research design. It analyses Iraqi legislation and official materials and compares them with selected international and regional AI governance frameworks, using risk, accountability, rights, oversight, and enforcement as the principal analytical dimensions. The IR-CAGM is developed as the normative output of this analysis. Research Limitation: The study focuses primarily on the Iraqi legal framework and comparative regulatory models and does not empirically assess the implementation of artificial intelligence regulations within individual companies. Findings: Existing Iraqi laws can address certain legal implications of artificial intelligence; however, these provisions remain fragmented, largely interpretative, and reactive. Major legislative gaps include the absence of a clear legal definition of artificial intelligence, risk-based classification, clear allocation of liability between companies and suppliers, comprehensive data protection legislation, and effective rights to explanation and objection. The comparative analysis further indicates that directly transferring foreign regulatory models would not adequately reflect the Iraqi legal and institutional context. Practical Implication: The proposed IR-CAGM model provides a phased framework connecting legislation, sectoral oversight, corporate responsibility, impact assessment, life-cycle governance, and individual rights. Social Implication: The model can strengthen public trust, protect fundamental rights, and support responsible technological innovation. Originality/Value: The study proposes a hybrid, context-sensitive regulatory model that balances artificial intelligence innovation, corporate accountability, and rights protection in Iraq.