In a groundbreaking move, the European Union (EU) has reached a landmark deal to govern the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and regulate AI models, including technologies like ChatGPT. The EU has become the first continent globally to establish clear rules for AI use.
The deal, negotiated between EU member states and lawmakers, was reached after approximately 36 hours of discussions. The specifics of the agreement will be outlined in the coming days, shaping the final legislation.
Thierry Breton, the EU’s internal market commissioner, called the deal historic, emphasizing that the AI Act is more than a rulebook—it serves as a launchpad for EU startups and researchers to lead the global race for trustworthy AI.
Negotiators during the Brussels meeting outlined restrictions on how AI could be used in Europe, aiming to strike a balance between innovation and safeguarding opportunities for European AI champions. The agreement grants users the right to file complaints and receive explanations. Fines for violations are set to range from 7.5 million euros or 1.5% of turnover to 35 million euros or 7% of global turnover.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, highlighted the significance of the deal, noting that AI rules provide a legal framework for designing trustworthy technology that doesn’t compromise safety or infringe on the fundamental rights of citizens and businesses.
Dragos Tudorache, one of the European Parliament’s lead negotiators, explained that the rules focus on large, powerful AI models to ensure they don’t pose systemic risks to the EU. The use of AI in biometric surveillance, particularly for national security, defense, and military purposes, was a point of contention during negotiations, with policymakers and EU lawmakers reaching a balance between these objectives and privacy concerns.
Post Your Comments