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  • tech360.tv
    • Mar 14
    • 3 min read

Europe on the Verge of Groundbreaking AI Regulations Following Lawmakers' Vote

Europe moves closer to adopting the world's first AI regulations as EU lawmakers endorse a provisional agreement. The AI Act aims to regulate high-impact AI models and high-risk AI systems, imposing transparency obligations and compliance with EU copyright laws. Restrictions on real-time biometric surveillance in public spaces will be implemented, with specific exceptions for certain crimes and threats.

Europe is edging closer to implementing the world's first set of regulations for artificial intelligence (AI) after EU lawmakers endorsed a provisional agreement. The AI Act, which has been in the works for three years, aims to address the growing concerns surrounding the use of AI in various industries and everyday life.


The rise of generative AI systems, such as Microsoft-backed OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's chatbot Gemini, has raised worries about the spread of misinformation and fake news. The legislation will focus on regulating high-impact, general-purpose AI models and high-risk AI systems, imposing specific transparency obligations and compliance with EU copyright laws.


One of the key provisions of the AI Act is the restriction on governments' use of real-time biometric surveillance in public spaces. Such surveillance will only be permitted in cases of certain crimes, prevention of genuine threats like terrorist attacks, and searches for individuals suspected of serious crimes.


Thierry Breton, the EU industry chief, expressed his satisfaction with the overwhelming support from the European Parliament for the EU AI Act. He stated, "Europe is now a global standard-setter in trustworthy AI." The vote in favor of the agreement saw 523 EU lawmakers supporting it, while 46 were against, and 49 abstained.


The next step is for EU countries to give their formal approval to the deal in May. If all goes as planned, the legislation is expected to come into force early next year and be applicable from 2026, although certain provisions may take effect earlier.


Legal experts believe that Europe's adoption of the AI Act could set a precedent for other countries and regions. Patrick Van Eecke, a partner at law firm Cooley, stated, "The European Union now has the world's first hard-coded AI law. Other countries and regions are likely to use the AI Act as a blueprint, just as they did with the GDPR," referring to the EU privacy regulation.


However, companies may face significant challenges due to the regulatory requirements. While the AI Act aims to ensure trustworthiness and accountability, it also introduces considerable red tape. Violations of the regulations could result in fines ranging from 7.5 million euros or 1.5% of turnover to 35 million euros or 7% of global turnover, depending on the severity of the offense.


BusinessEurope, a lobbying group, has expressed concerns about the implementation of the rules. Markus J. Beyrer, the director general of BusinessEurope, highlighted the need for extensive secondary legislation and guidelines, which could impact legal certainty and interpretation, ultimately influencing investment decisions.


In response to the vote, Amazon, which has recently introduced a new AI assistant, expressed its commitment to collaborating with the EU and the industry to ensure the safe and responsible development of AI technology. Meta Platforms, on the other hand, emphasised the importance of not stifling innovation. Marco Pancini, Meta's head of EU affairs, stated, "It is critical we don't lose sight of AI's huge potential to foster European innovation, and openness is key here."


As Europe stands on the brink of implementing groundbreaking AI regulations, the world will be watching closely to see how these rules shape the future of AI development and usage.

 

  • Europe moves closer to adopting the world's first AI regulations as EU lawmakers endorse a provisional agreement.

  • The AI Act aims to regulate high-impact AI models and high-risk AI systems, imposing transparency obligations and compliance with EU copyright laws.

  • Restrictions on real-time biometric surveillance in public spaces will be implemented, with specific exceptions for certain crimes and threats.


Source: REUTERS

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