The University of Latvia (UL) has approved a comprehensive legal framework for the use of artificial intelligence in the study process, with the new regulations set to take effect on March 16, 2026. This move positions the university as one of the first in the country to regulate AI at the Senate level, following recent amendments to the national Law on Higher Education Institutions. The regulation seeks to balance the rapid integration of generative AI in society with the preservation of academic rigor, emphasizing that technology should serve as a student’s assistant rather than a substitute for genuine learning.
Under the new rules, the use of AI at the university is governed by the core principles of integrity, transparency, responsibility, and data security. While UL promotes the responsible use of technology, students are strictly required to disclose when AI has been used in their work.
The regulations also introduce stringent protections for data and intellectual property. Students and staff are prohibited from uploading restricted information or university materials to unlicensed AI platforms, and the creation of deepfakes or the use of unlicensed virtual assistants on behalf of the university is banned. Notably, the framework ensures a fair evaluation process by stating that AI detection tools cannot be the sole basis for grading or for proving academic misconduct.
To support this transition, the university has also released updated guidelines based on international best practices from institutions like Oxford and Harvard, ensuring the policy remains aligned with global academic and ethical standards.
