The European Union has reached final approval for the world’s first major law regulating artificial intelligence. This landmark legislation, known as the AI Act, aims to establish a comprehensive set of rules for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in various applications.
The AI Act adopts a risk-based approach to AI, treating different applications of the technology differently based on the threats they pose to society. It prohibits “unacceptable” AI applications such as social scoring systems, predictive policing, and emotional recognition in workplaces and schools. High-risk AI systems like autonomous vehicles and medical devices are evaluated based on their potential impact on health, safety, and fundamental rights of citizens. This includes applications of AI in financial services and education where bias may be embedded in algorithms.
Mathieu Michel, Belgium’s secretary of state for digitization, praised the AI Act as a way for Europe to ensure that new technologies can flourish while maintaining trust and accountability. The regulation is expected to safeguard citizens’ rights and well-being by ensuring that ethical considerations and responsible use of AI are taken into account when developing new technologies. This groundbreaking legislation highlights the importance of balancing innovation with values such as transparency, accountability, and human dignity in the fast-changing world of technology.
In conclusion, the EU Council’s approval of the AI Act marks a significant milestone for Europe’s efforts to regulate new technologies while fostering innovation. By adopting a risk-based approach that prioritizes ethical considerations and responsible use of AI, this legislation aims to protect citizens’ rights and well-being while also enabling European innovation in an ever-evolving technological landscape.
