The new law establishes a restrictive regime for emerging technologies.
Posted on December 9, 2023 Updated on December 10, 2023 10:32 Javier Espinosa.
European Commissioner Thierry Breton said:"More than just a rulebook, the AI Act is also a launching pad for EU start-ups and researchers to lead the global AI race.
EU lawmakers have reached agreement on landmark AI regulatory legislation that pushes for the implementation of the world's most stringent regime for technological development.
EU Commissioner Thierry Breton confirmed in an article on X that the agreement had been reached, calling it a historic one. "The EU became the first continent to set clear rules for the use of AI," he wrote. The AI Act is more than just a rulebook – it is also a launchpad for EU start-ups and researchers to lead the global AI race. ”
The agreement, which was reached after years of discussions between European Commission member states and members of the European Parliament, aims to limit the development of artificial intelligence through legislation to ensure that the interests of humanity are protected. This was reached after a marathon discussion that began this Wednesday.
The details of the agreement are still being gradually revealed after the announcement. Breton said lawmakers agreed on a two-tiered approach, with "transparency requirements for all general AI models, such as ChatGPT," and "stricter requirements for robust models with systemic impact" across the EU.
Breton said the rules would implement safeguards when using AI technology while avoiding an "undue burden" on businesses.
In the new rules, lawmakers agreed to severely limit the use of facial recognition technology, subject to strictly defined enforcement exceptions.
The legislation also prohibits the use of AI for "social scoring," the use of metrics to determine a person's character, and the use of AI systems to "manipulate human behavior to circumvent their free will."
In addition, the use of AI to exploit people who are vulnerable due to age, disability, or economic status is prohibited.
Companies that fail to comply with the rules face fines of €35 million or 7% of global revenue.
Some tech groups are not satisfied. Cecilia Bonefeld-Dahl, Director General of Digital Europe, representing the European tech industry, said: "We reached an agreement, but at what costWe fully support a risk-based approach based on the use of AI rather than the technology itself, but last-minute attempts to regulate underlying models have turned that on its head. ”
These new requirements – along with a wide range of other new laws, such as the Data Act – will require companies to invest significant resources to comply, which will be used to hire lawyers rather than AI engineers. ”
MEPs spent years arguing their positions before starting negotiations with member states and the European Commission, the EU's executive body. On Friday night, the national ministries, parliamentarians and the European Commission agreed on the final text to make the legislation law.
European companies have expressed concern that implementing too restrictive regulations on this technology, which is rapidly growing and gaining traction after OpenAI's ChatGPT gained popularity, will hinder innovation. In June, many of Europe's largest companies, including France's Airbus and Germany's Siemens, said the current rules were too restrictive to foster innovation and help local industries.
Last month, the UK hosted an AI Security Summit, where 28 countries broadly pledged to work together to address the existential risks posed by advanced AI. The event attracted tech industry leaders such as OpenAI's Sam Altman, who had previously criticized the European Union's plans to regulate the technology.
Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, the EU's executive body, praised the political agreement reached by lawmakers on AI rules.
"This is a historic moment," she said. The AI Act ushered in a new era of European values. ”
"We will support businesses and developers to prepare for the new rules until the bill is fully applicable," she added. Around 100 companies have already expressed interest in joining our AI Convention, under which they will voluntarily commit to meeting the main obligations of the Act by the statutory deadline. ”