/Nato Collapse Risks Don’t Equal Russian Tanks in Finnmark
- The European Parliament formally approved the Artificial Intelligence Act on March 13, 2024, establishing a thorough legal framework for the advancement and deployment of artificial intelligence within the...
- The AI Act will be phased in over the next two years. Certain prohibitions came into effect six months after the act's publication in the Official Journal of...
- "This is a historic moment for the regulation of artificial intelligence," stated Thierry breton, European Commissioner for internal Market, in a press release issued on March 13, 2024.
European Union Approves Landmark Artificial Intelligence Act
Table of Contents
The European Parliament formally approved the Artificial Intelligence Act on March 13, 2024, establishing a thorough legal framework for the advancement and deployment of artificial intelligence within the European Union. The act,passed with 523 votes in favor,46 against,and 49 abstentions,aims to foster innovation while mitigating the risks associated with AI technologies.
Key Provisions of the AI Act
- Prohibited AI Practices: the act bans AI systems deemed to pose unacceptable risks to essential rights. This includes systems that manipulate human behavior, exploit vulnerabilities of specific groups, and certain forms of biometric identification in public spaces.
- High-Risk AI Systems: AI systems identified as high-risk, such as those used in critical infrastructure, education, employment, and law enforcement, will be subject to stringent requirements before they can be placed on the market. These requirements include risk assessments, high-quality data governance, and openness obligations.
- general-Purpose AI: The act addresses general-purpose AI models, like those powering chatbots, with specific obligations related to transparency and risk management. Developers of these models must comply with documentation and reporting requirements.
- enforcement and Penalties: The European Commission will oversee the enforcement of the AI Act, with national authorities responsible for implementation. Violations can result in fines of up to €35 million or 7% of a company’s global annual turnover, whichever is higher.
Timeline and Implementation
The AI Act will be phased in over the next two years. Certain prohibitions came into effect six months after the act’s publication in the Official Journal of the European Union on April 21, 2024. Obligations for high-risk systems will apply 12 months after that date,and requirements for general-purpose AI models will be fully enforced 24 months after publication.
Reactions and Impact
“This is a historic moment for the regulation of artificial intelligence,” stated Thierry breton, European Commissioner for internal Market, in a press release issued on March 13, 2024. “The AI Act will ensure that AI is developed and used in a way that is safe, trustworthy, and respects fundamental rights.”
Industry groups, such as the Confederation of European Industry (CEI), have expressed concerns about the potential impact on innovation, while civil society organizations, like Access Now, have welcomed the act as a crucial step towards responsible AI development. The act is expected to serve as a global benchmark for AI regulation, influencing similar legislative efforts in other countries, including the United States and Canada.
For more facts, see the official press release from the European Commission: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_1163
Further details on the AI act are available on the European Parliament’s website: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20240308STO59549/artificial-intelligence-act-eu-rules-to-protect-fundamental-rights-and-promote-innovation