Parliament has recently approved a groundbreaking law, the Revolutionary Artificial Intelligence Act, paving the way for a new chapter in technological governance. This momentous legislation was supported by 523 votes, with 46 against and 49 abstentions, marking a significant step towards protecting rights and nurturing innovation while solidifying Europe’s position as a frontrunner in the AI landscape.
The Act introduces a wide array of responsibilities for AI systems based on their potential risks and impact levels. By setting out restrictions on certain applications that encroach upon citizens’ rights, the law takes a proactive approach to safeguarding individual liberties. Notably, it prohibits the use of biometric systems that rely on sensitive features and the unwarranted collection of facial images from public domains or surveillance footage for constructing facial recognition databases.
Moreover, the Act prohibits the utilization of AI for emotion detection in workplace and educational settings, the implementation of citizen scoring mechanisms, predictive policing exclusively based on profiling, and AI that manipulates human conduct or exploits vulnerabilities.
While upholding a firm commitment to protecting citizens’ rights, the legislation acknowledges exemptions for law enforcement agencies. Biometric identification systems may be deployed under stringent safeguards in specific and clearly defined scenarios. For instance, the directed search for a missing individual or the prevention of a terrorist activity may necessitate the use of real-time biometric identification systems. However, their application must be brief and localized, with prior judicial or administrative authorization. Any retrospective use of such systems is deemed high-risk and requires judicial endorsement due to its association with criminal offenses.
The Act also imposes explicit obligations on high-risk AI systems, which have the capacity to significantly impact health, security, fundamental rights, the environment, democracy, and the legal framework. From critical infrastructure to education, vocational training, and crucial public and private services such as healthcare and banking, these systems must conduct risk assessments, maintain usage logs, guarantee transparency and precision, and integrate human supervision. Additionally, individuals affected by AI systems possess the right to file complaints and obtain clarifications about decisions made with the assistance of these systems.
To ensure answerability and transparency, the Act lays down specifications for general-purpose AI systems and the underlying models they rely upon. It mandates adherence to EU copyright regulations, the disclosure of comprehensive summaries of the data used to train AI models, and the evident labeling of artificial or altered images, audio, or video content for easy identification.
In an effort to bolster innovation and cultivate the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the Act underscores the establishment of controlled testing and experimentation environments. These spaces, accessible at the national level, enable SMEs and startups to develop and refine their AI solutions under real-world conditions prior to market launch.
The approval of the Revolutionary Artificial Intelligence Act signifies a pivotal moment in AI technology regulation. By striking a nuanced equilibrium between protecting fundamental rights and propelling innovation, Europe sets the stage for ethical and accountable AI progression. The Act establishes a global standard, ensuring that AI serves as a catalyst for advancement while upholding the values that form the foundation of our societies.
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The source of the article is from the blog karacasanime.com.ve