The European Union Reaches Consensus on Regulating the Potential Risks of Artificial Intelligence

European Union lawmakers reached a significant agreement on Friday, finalizing one of the world’s first major comprehensive laws governing artificial intelligence. Known as the AI Act, this groundbreaking legislation establishes a regulatory framework designed to foster AI development while mitigating its associated risks. It specifically prohibits AI practices deemed to be a clear threat to people’s safety, livelihoods, and rights.

Amid increasing concerns about AI’s disruptive potential, the law represents an important step. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola described it as a “balanced and human-centered approach,” predicting it will set a global standard for years.

The framework, proposed in 2021, categorizes AI applications based on risk, with stricter regulations for those deemed higher risk. It outright bans the riskiest AI applications, including systems that target vulnerable groups, law enforcement’s use of biometric identification, and AI that manipulates using subliminal techniques.

For lower-risk applications, such as chatbots like OpenAI’s ChatGPT or technology generating digital content, the AI Act introduces new transparency requirements.

EU Commissioner for Internal Market Thierry Breton highlighted the law’s potential to boost EU startups and researchers, positioning them at the forefront of the global AI race.

The impact of AI on various industries has been profound since the launch of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in November 2022. Its rapid rise in popularity has led to a surge in AI technology development. However, the technology’s disruptive influence extends beyond big tech, affecting education, art, music, and media, sparking debates and controversies.

Even companies leading AI advancements have faced challenges. OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, experienced a brief but dramatic removal from his position in November, with the reasons behind the leadership shuffle remaining ambiguous weeks later.