EU passes groundbreaking AI legislation, setting global standard for regulating advanced technology

European Union lawmakers approved a groundbreaking law on artificial intelligence, putting them ahead of the United States in regulating this important technology. This law will change how AI is used in Europe, affecting areas like healthcare and policing. It bans certain unacceptable uses of AI and sets strict rules for other high-risk applications.

The EU AI Act prohibits the use of AI in social scoring systems and any biometric tools that try to guess a person's race, political beliefs, or sexual orientation. It also restricts AI from interpreting people's emotions in schools and workplaces, as well as certain types of automated profiling that aim to predict future criminal behavior.

The law also addresses specific "high-risk" uses of AI, especially in education, hiring, and access to government services, with additional transparency and obligations for these cases.

Additionally, companies like OpenAI, which create advanced AI models with widespread use, will have to meet new disclosure requirements according to the law.

All AI-generated deepfakes must be clearly labeled to address worries about manipulated media causing disinformation and election interference.

The new law, expected to be enforced in about two years, demonstrates how quickly EU lawmakers are reacting to the rising use of technologies like OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

The legislation passed by the European Parliament this week originated from a proposal put forth in 2021. This proposal gave lawmakers an early opportunity to address the rapid growth and excitement surrounding ChatGPT.

In contrast, the United States has not made significant advancements in federal AI legislation. Despite Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's personal push to prioritize the issue last year, the country still lags behind in this area.

Editor's P/S:

The EU's landmark AI legislation is a significant step towards regulating this transformative technology. By prohibiting unethical uses and setting rigorous standards for high-risk applications, the EU is taking a proactive approach to ensure that AI benefits society without compromising individual rights or safety. This law serves as a model for other regions seeking to harness the potential of AI while mitigating its risks.

The United States, despite acknowledging the urgency of AI regulation, has yet to enact comprehensive legislation. This delay highlights the need for a more concerted effort among policymakers to keep pace with the rapid evolution of AI. The EU's law provides valuable lessons and a compelling case for the US to prioritize AI regulation, fostering innovation while safeguarding public interests. The EU's AI Act serves as a valuable reference point, highlighting the importance of proactive legislation to harness the benefits of AI while safeguarding societal values and protecting individual rights.