Artificial intelligence has become a force accelerating industrial transformation, shaping the way we live and revolutionizing a range of industries. This technological revolution has raised ethical and security concerns around the world. To ensure a fair, ethical and safe transition to this new digital age, the European Union has taken a leading role by establishing a comprehensive AI regulation.
The world’s first comprehensive laws regulating artificial intelligence were adopted in a landmark agreement after 37 hours of negotiations between the European Parliament and EU member states.[1] This law is the first framework text on the definition, scope and liability of Artificial Intelligence in the world. European Commissioner Thierry Breton described this law as “historic”.
This law is the first framework text on the definition, scope and liability of Artificial Intelligence in the world. European Commissioner Thierry Breton described this law as “historic”.
Efforts to develop the European Union’s “Artificial Intelligence Law”, which first appeared in 2021,[2] have accelerated since the publication last year of OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which pushed the rapidly developing field of artificial intelligence into the public consciousness.
The agreement, which will also govern social media and search engines in Europe and consists of a series of laws covering giants such as X, TikTok and Google, adopts a “risk-based approach” for products or services that use artificial intelligence and focuses on regulating the use of AI rather than the technology. The law is designed to protect fundamental rights such as democracy, the rule of law and freedom of expression, while encouraging investment and innovation.
EU President Ursula von der Leyen expressed her excitement at the end of 37 hours of negotiations:[3]
“The Artificial Intelligence Act is a world first. It is a unique legal framework for the development of AI you can trust, for the safety and fundamental rights of people and businesses. We have taken this commitment and delivered on it through our political guidelines. I welcome today’s political agreement.”
Columbia Law School Professor Anu Bradford, an expert on EU law and digital regulation, had this to say about the law:[4]
“The Artificial Intelligence Act is the world’s first comprehensive, horizontal and binding AI regulation and will not only be a game-changer in Europe, but will also contribute significantly to the global momentum towards regulating AI in jurisdictions. It puts the EU in a unique position to lead the way and show the world that AI can be governed and its development subject to democratic oversight.”
The Artificial Intelligence Act introduces legal requirements for many artificial intelligence systems. Large AI applications, social media sites will be legally required to apply for summarization of their content. There will also be stricter rules on cyber-attacks and systemic risks. AI systems will also have to pass some legally prescribed security tests.
The law prohibits the indiscriminate extraction of images from the internet or security footage to build facial recognition databases, but includes exceptions such as the use of instant facial recognition by law enforcement agencies to investigate terrorism and serious crimes. Tech firms that violate the law will face fines of up to 7% of global revenue, depending on the violation and the size of the firm.
The Artificial Intelligence Act is one of the most vivid examples of technology governance and globalization in Europe. As artificial intelligence pushes the boundaries as one of the most influential technological forces of our time, various regulations can be developed around the world to cope with these developments and protect societies.
The European Union is taking important steps to strengthen digital transformation, support innovation and promote the ethical use of artificial intelligence. Compared to other countries, the European Union has a front row seat in the race to lead the world in artificial intelligence. The EU’s regulation of artificial intelligence is the product of a vision that aims to protect not only technological progress, but also the security of societies and the rights of individuals.
[1] Lisa O’Carroll, “EU Agrees ‘Historic’ Deal With World’s First Laws To Regulate AI.”, The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/08/eu-agrees-historic-deal-with-worlds-first-laws-to-regulate-ai (Date Accesion: 11.12.2023).
[2] “European Union Reaches Agreement On Landmark Legislation To Regulate AI”, Aljazeera, https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2023/12/9/european-union-reaches-agreement-on-landmark-legislation-to-regulate-ai, (Date Accesion: 11.12.2023).
[3] Ibıd.
[4] Kelvin Chan, “Europe Agreed On World-Leading AI Rules. How Do They Work And Will They Affect People Everywhere?”, AP News, https://apnews.com/article/eu-ai-act-artificial-intelligence-regulation-0283a10a891a24703068edcae3d60deb, (Date Accesion: 11.12.2023).
