Europe takes a bold leap towards regulating AI: what does this mean going forward?

In a seminal move, the European Parliament has adopted its position on the AI Act. Propelling Europe to the forefront of AI regulation, this signifies a resounding commitment to shaping the responsible and ethical use of AI in a world rapidly transformed by technology.?

A draft version of the Act has been agreed upon, which can now be negotiated with the Council of the European Union and EU member states before eventually being enacted into law.

The AI Act - touted as the world's first comprehensive law on Artificial Intelligence - takes a risk-based approach: introducing stringent regulations for high-risk AI applications and banning those deemed to pose an unacceptable risk.

What are the stand-out points of the new AI Act??

Ban on emotion-recognition AI: Using AI to recognise people's emotions in policing, schools, and workplaces is prohibited. This aims to address concerns of inaccuracy, bias, and potential misuse of such technologies.

Ban on real-time biometrics and predictive policing in public spaces: The Act aims to create a balance between security needs and privacy rights. It restricts the real-time use of biometric technologies in law enforcement but allows for exceptions in ex-post investigations on serious crimes.?

Ban on social scoring: Public agencies are prohibited from using data about people's social behaviour to make generalisations and profiles. The Act aims to prevent the potential abuse of social scoring practices whilst acknowledging the complexity of their application in sectors such as finance, insurance, and employment.

New restrictions for generative AI: this includes mandatory labelling for AI-generated content and a ban on using copyrighted material in the training set. These measures address concerns about intellectual property rights, transparency, and potential misuse of AI-generated content.

New restrictions on recommendation algorithms on social media: Recommender systems on prominent social media platforms are categorised as high-risk, subjecting them to increased scrutiny and potential liability for the impact of user-generated content. This aims to curb the spread of misinformation, harmful content, and algorithmic biases.

The adoption of the AI Act is undoubtedly a positive step forward. By providing clarity and legal certainty, Europe is fostering an environment conducive to innovation and investment in AI. Europe's commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of fundamental rights will act as a catalyst for responsible AI development worldwide. This forward-thinking approach ensures that AI remains a powerful tool for societal advancement without sacrificing our core values.