The European Parliament has taken a giant leap towards shaping the future of artificial intelligence. In a historic move, MEPs have recently approved the groundbreaking Artificial Intelligence Act. This legislation, which aims to guarantee safety, protect fundamental rights, and foster innovation in the AI industry, has garnered significant support.
“With 523 votes in favor, 46 against, and 49 abstentions, we have officially established the world’s first binding law on artificial intelligence,” remarked Brando Benifei, co-rapporteur of the Internal Market Committee. He added, “Unacceptable AI practices will be banned in Europe, and the rights of workers and citizens will be protected. We have made sure that human beings and European values remain at the very heart of AI’s development.”
The Artificial Intelligence Act has been designed to safeguard essential elements such as democracy, the rule of law, and environmental sustainability from the potential risks associated with AI. Simultaneously, it aims to bolster innovation, positioning Europe as a frontrunner in this rapidly evolving field. By imposing obligations based on the risks and impact potential of AI, the regulation seeks to strike a crucial balance.
One notable aspect of the act is the prohibition of certain AI applications that encroach upon citizens’ rights. Specific examples of banned applications include the use of biometric categorization systems based on sensitive characteristics, scraping facial images from the internet or CCTV footage to create facial recognition databases, and employing emotion recognition, social scoring, predictive policing, and AI that manipulates human behavior or exploits vulnerabilities.
Although the parliament has introduced these prohibitions, it has also provided law enforcement exemptions under certain circumstances. Biometric identification systems (RBI) may be used by law enforcement in narrowly defined situations, provided strict safeguards are followed. The use of real-time RBI is subject to temporal and geographic limitations, and requires prior judicial or administrative authorization. Post-facto RBI, meanwhile, necessitates judicial authorization and must be linked to a criminal offense.
Moreover, the regulation addresses the obligations of high-risk AI systems that have an impact on critical sectors such as infrastructure control, education, employment, healthcare, law enforcement, migration and border management, justice, and democratic processes. Such systems must assess and mitigate risks, maintain usage logs, ensure transparency and accuracy, and incorporate human oversight. Citizens will have the right to raise complaints about AI systems and receive explanations regarding decisions made by high-risk AI systems that affect their rights.
Transparency is a crucial aspect of the Artificial Intelligence Act, particularly in relation to general-purpose AI (GPAI) systems. These systems, as well as the GPAI models they are based on, must comply with EU copyright law and provide detailed summaries of the content used for training. Furthermore, more powerful GPAI models, which could pose systemic risks, will face additional requirements such as model evaluations, risk assessment and mitigation measures, and incident reporting. Additionally, any artificial or manipulated images, audio, or video content, commonly known as “deepfakes,” must be conspicuously labeled as such.
Recognizing the importance of nurturing innovation, the European Parliament has called for the establishment of regulatory sandboxes and real-world testing at the national level. These initiatives will be made accessible to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups, facilitating the development and training of innovative AI solutions before their entry into the market.
The approval of the European Artificial Intelligence Act signals a significant turning point in the regulation and utilization of AI. It sets the stage for a future where innovation thrives, while ensuring that AI respects fundamental rights and safeguards the well-being of individuals. With this groundbreaking legislation, Europe is taking a bold step towards leading the world in responsible and ethical artificial intelligence.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the Artificial Intelligence Act?
The Artificial Intelligence Act aims to ensure safety, protect fundamental rights, boost innovation, and position Europe as a leader in the field of artificial intelligence.
What are some of the banned applications under the regulation?
The regulation prohibits certain AI applications, including biometric categorization systems based on sensitive characteristics, untargeted scraping of facial images, emotion recognition in the workplace and schools, social scoring, predictive policing based on profiling, and AI that manipulates human behavior or exploits vulnerabilities.
Are there any exemptions for law enforcement?
Law enforcement is granted exemptions in limited and defined situations. The use of biometric identification systems by law enforcement is allowed, with strict safeguards and authorizations in place.
What obligations do high-risk AI systems have?
High-risk AI systems used in critical sectors must assess and mitigate risks, maintain usage logs, ensure transparency and accuracy, and incorporate human oversight. Citizens have the right to raise complaints and receive explanations about decisions made by high-risk AI systems.
What transparency requirements apply to AI systems?
General-purpose AI systems and the models they are based on must comply with EU copyright law and provide detailed summaries of the training content. More powerful models that pose systemic risks will face additional requirements for evaluation, risk assessment, mitigation, and incident reporting.
How will innovation be supported under the Artificial Intelligence Act?
The European Parliament calls for the establishment of regulatory sandboxes and real-world testing at the national level. These initiatives will be accessible to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups, enabling them to develop and train innovative AI solutions before market entry.
What is the purpose of the Artificial Intelligence Act?
The Artificial Intelligence Act aims to ensure safety, protect fundamental rights, boost innovation, and position Europe as a leader in the field of artificial intelligence.
What are some of the banned applications under the regulation?
The regulation prohibits certain AI applications, including biometric categorization systems based on sensitive characteristics, untargeted scraping of facial images, emotion recognition in the workplace and schools, social scoring, predictive policing based on profiling, and AI that manipulates human behavior or exploits vulnerabilities.
Are there any exemptions for law enforcement?
Law enforcement is granted exemptions in limited and defined situations. The use of biometric identification systems by law enforcement is allowed, with strict safeguards and authorizations in place.
What obligations do high-risk AI systems have?
High-risk AI systems used in critical sectors must assess and mitigate risks, maintain usage logs, ensure transparency and accuracy, and incorporate human oversight. Citizens have the right to raise complaints and receive explanations about decisions made by high-risk AI systems.
What transparency requirements apply to AI systems?
General-purpose AI systems and the models they are based on must comply with EU copyright law and provide detailed summaries of the training content. More powerful models that pose systemic risks will face additional requirements for evaluation, risk assessment, mitigation, and incident reporting.
How will innovation be supported under the Artificial Intelligence Act?
The European Parliament calls for the establishment of regulatory sandboxes and real-world testing at the national level. These initiatives will be accessible to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups, enabling them to develop and train innovative AI solutions before market entry.
The source of the article is from the blog lanoticiadigital.com.ar