EU member states approved new legislation on artificial intelligence (AI) on Friday, following the European Commission’s proposal in 2021. The rules aim to regulate the safety and usage of AI across various sectors such as banking, manufacturing, medicine, and travel, as well as addressing its military applications and security parameters.
The final approval by the EU’s 27 member states faced delays due to concerns raised by countries like France and Germany, leading to extended negotiations to refine the wording of the regulations. The EU seeks to establish global standards for AI usage while balancing innovation and safety.
Thierry Breton, the EU Commissioner for Internal Market, hailed the AI Act as a groundbreaking development, emphasizing the importance of finding a balance between fostering innovation in AI products within the EU and implementing regulations to govern its widespread societal impact.
Germany and France, influenced by tech companies, initially opposed the rules but eventually withdrew their objections. Industry representatives expressed concerns about potential hindrances to innovation and competition due to unclear provisions in the new AI regulations.
The European Parliament is set to vote on the legislation in the coming months, with the possibility of it becoming law by May. The implementation of specific rules may commence shortly, with full enforcement expected within the next two years.
The surge in popularity of AI technologies like ChatGPT has highlighted both the positive and negative aspects of AI advancements. While proponents anticipate enhanced productivity and convenience, there are growing apprehensions regarding AI’s capacity for generating deep fake content and facilitating the spread of misinformation.
Europe aims to foster indigenous innovation in AI to reduce reliance on leading countries like the US and China in this rapidly expanding market.
