Mauritius Cabinet Approves 2026 Regulations to Control AI Use in Higher Education

The Mauritian Cabinet has officially sanctioned the promulgation of the Higher Education (Use of Artificial Intelligence) Regulations 2026, establishing a formal legal framework for the use of AI within the nation’s universities and colleges.

The decision, ratified during a Council of Ministers meeting on Friday, 26 February 2026, grants the Higher Education Commission extensive new powers to oversee and police the integration of emerging technologies in academic settings.

Enforcement and Oversight

Under the new regulations, the Commission is mandated to issue strict directives and standards to govern AI usage.

Crucially, the body now holds the authority to impose corrective measures in instances of non-compliance, ensuring that institutions adhere to the newly established statutory requirements.

To maintain ethical standards, the Commission has been tasked with prohibiting any AI practices that could lead to:

• Academic Misconduct: Specifically plagiarism and intellectual property theft.
• Systemic Risks: Data protection violations, copyright infringement, and cybersecurity threats.
• Social Safeguards: Prevention of inherent biases within AI systems.

Collaborative Evolution

Recognising the fast-moving nature of the sector, the framework allows for the appointment of ad hoc working groups.

These committees will bring together higher education institutions, professional bodies, and relevant stakeholders to ensure the regulatory approach remains robust.

Furthermore, the Commission is now legally required to promote academic research into AI usage and conduct periodic reviews.

This mechanism is designed to guarantee that Mauritius remains aligned with international best practices as the technology evolves.

The move marks a significant step in formalising the digital landscape of Mauritian higher education, balancing the promotion of research with stringent protections for data and authorship.

Source: Defi Media