European regulators are accelerating their efforts to address potential threats arising from generative artificial intelligence (AI) by targeting prominent Big Tech firms. The European Commission (EC) recently dispatched requests to companies such as Microsoft, Alphabet, Meta, X, Snapchat, and TikTok under the Digital Services Act (DSA), demanding information about their strategies for mitigating risks associated with this technology. These risks include the dissemination of misleading information, the spread of deepfakes, and the manipulation of services to mislead voters.
According to a press release issued on March 14, the companies have until April 5 to respond to the EC’s inquiries regarding election integrity. They are also required to answer additional questions posed by the commission before April 26. These actions reflect a broader global trend of regulatory bodies cracking down on AI usage for fraudulent purposes.
In the United States, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has proposed new regulations following a surge in complaints related to AI-driven impersonation fraud. These rules aim to prohibit the use of AI tools to imitate individuals, which has become more prevalent and sophisticated. Lina M. Khan, Chair of the FTC, emphasized the importance of protecting individuals from impersonator fraud enabled by AI.
The EC’s announcement coincided with its initiation of formal proceedings to investigate whether Alibaba’s AliExpress violated DSA requirements. The investigation will focus on various aspects of the online marketplace’s operations, including risk management, content moderation, complaint handling, advertising transparency, trader traceability, and data accessibility for researchers. The EU’s competition watchdog, Margrethe Vestager, highlighted the significance of consumer protection, especially for minors, in the context of the Digital Services Act.
AliExpress, in response, stated that it abides by the regulations of the markets in which it operates. The company, as a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP), confirmed its commitment to collaborating with relevant authorities to ensure compliance with applicable standards. AliExpress intends to create a safe and compliant marketplace for all consumers.
FAQs
1. What is generative artificial intelligence (AI)?
Generative artificial intelligence refers to AI systems or algorithms that possess the capability to generate original content, such as text, images, or videos, based on patterns and data input.
2. What risks are associated with generative AI?
The risks associated with generative AI include the dissemination of false or misleading information, the spread of deepfakes (manipulated media), and the manipulation of services to deceive or mislead users.
3. Why are European regulators targeting Big Tech companies?
European regulators are targeting Big Tech companies due to their significant influence and impact on digital services. These companies are in a prime position to address and mitigate the risks arising from generative AI technologies.
Sources:
– Digital Services Act (DSA) – [URL]
– US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – [URL]
– European Commission (EC) – [URL]
– AliExpress – [URL]
FAQs
1. What is generative artificial intelligence (AI)?
Generative artificial intelligence refers to AI systems or algorithms that possess the capability to generate original content, such as text, images, or videos, based on patterns and data input.
2. What risks are associated with generative AI?
The risks associated with generative AI include the dissemination of false or misleading information, the spread of deepfakes (manipulated media), and the manipulation of services to deceive or mislead users.
3. Why are European regulators targeting Big Tech companies?
European regulators are targeting Big Tech companies due to their significant influence and impact on digital services. These companies are in a prime position to address and mitigate the risks arising from generative AI technologies.
Definitions:
– Digital Services Act (DSA): The Digital Services Act is a regulatory framework proposed by the European Commission that aims to update and harmonize regulations related to digital services within the European Union.
– US Federal Trade Commission (FTC): The Federal Trade Commission is an independent agency of the United States government responsible for consumer protection and the prevention of anticompetitive business practices.
– European Commission (EC): The European Commission is the executive branch of the European Union responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, and ensuring compliance with EU law.
– AliExpress: AliExpress is an online retail platform owned by Alibaba Group, offering a wide range of products from various sellers.
Sources:
– Digital Services Act (DSA) – Digital Services Act
– US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – Federal Trade Commission
– European Commission (EC) – European Commission
– AliExpress – AliExpress
The source of the article is from the blog japan-pc.jp