The European Council announced on Tuesday that ministers from the European Union (EU) member states have given their final approval to the bloc’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act, marking a significant step in regulating AI technologies that pose high risks.
The landmark legislation aims to create a comprehensive regulatory framework for AI applications within the EU. It specifically bans AI systems involved in cognitive behavioral manipulation and social scoring. This includes prohibitions on AI used for predictive policing based on profiling, as well as systems that utilize biometric data to categorize individuals based on sensitive attributes such as race, religion, or sexual orientation.
For general-purpose AI systems, the act mandates compliance with transparency requirements, provided they do not present systemic risks. However, AI systems identified as carrying such risks will be subject to stricter regulations to ensure safety and ethical standards are upheld.
Notably, the act exempts AI systems used exclusively for military, defense, and research purposes, recognizing the unique considerations in these sectors.
To oversee the implementation and enforcement of the regulations, the act establishes several governing bodies. These include an AI Office, a Scientific Panel of Experts, an AI Board comprising representatives from member states, and an Advisory Forum for stakeholders to provide insights and feedback.
The legislative act is set to enter into force 20 days after its publication in the EU’s Official Journal, following the signatures of the presidents of the European Parliament and the Council. This move signifies the EU’s commitment to leading global efforts in the ethical and responsible development of AI technologies.
The implications of the EU’s AI Act are expected to resonate beyond Europe, influencing international standards and potentially impacting businesses and developers worldwide, including those in Asia’s burgeoning tech sectors.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
