- MEPs have approved safeguards on artificial intelligence.
- They supported restrictions on the use of identification systems, as well as the use of AI for the purpose of manipulation.
- EU citizens will be able to file complaints against AI-powered systems.
On February 13, MEPs approved a preliminary agreement on rules in the field of artificial intelligence. It sets the groundwork for the adoption of the world’s first AI-centered law.
‼ AI Act takes a step forward:
MEPs in @EP_Justice & @EP_SingleMarket have endorsed the provisional agreement on an Artificial Intelligence Act that ensures safety and complies with fundamental rights 👇https://t.co/EbXtLBfIoY@brandobenifei @IoanDragosT pic.twitter.com/J3NXRhxd9p
- LIBE Committee Press (@EP_Justice) February 13, 2024
According to the source, members of the Internal Market and Civil Liberties Committee supported the regulation of artificial intelligence in EU countries. The new rules set obligations for the sector based on its potential risks and level of impact, the text of the document said.
According to the press release, the regulation aims to stimulate innovation and make Europe a leader in artificial intelligence. And at the same time, it envisions protecting fundamental rights, democracy, the rule of law and “environmental sustainability from AI.”
Specifically, the agreement prohibits the use of AI applications that threaten citizens’ rights, including biometric identification systems, the misuse of facial photos from the internet, and CCTV footage.
Obligations were also agreed for other high-risk AI systems that could significantly impact health, safety and the environment. EU citizens will be able to lodge complaints about AI and receive clarification on decisions based on such systems.
“The document introduces restrictions for artificial intelligence that manipulates human behavior or exploits human vulnerabilities. All general-purpose systems (GPAI) must comply with certain transparency requirements and EU copyright laws,” the regulation says.
Presumably, the new rules will control generative artificial intelligence and underlying models that are trained on large datasets, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
The text awaits formal adoption in the upcoming parliamentary plenary session and final approval by the Council in spring 2024. If passed, the law will begin to apply 24 months after entry into force, the committee said.
Recall, IBM decided to replace 7,800 employees with artificial intelligence. At the same time, the politician Donald Trump said about the threat from AI.
