Lawmakers in the European Parliament have reached a consensus on a stringent set of regulations governing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) within the European Union. The aim is to oversee AI systems, promote transparency, and enhance security.
On Thursday, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) voted in favor of the proposed AI Act, which includes a ban on biometric identification systems and categorization systems in public spaces. These systems are deemed discriminatory, invasive, and pose potential risks.
Dragos Tudorache, the EuroParl co-rapporteur from Romania, stated, "Considering the profound transformative impact of AI on our societies and economies, the AI Act is likely the most significant legislation of this mandate. It is the first legislation of its kind worldwide, allowing the EU to lead the way in ensuring AI is human-centric, trustworthy, and safe."
Under the AI Act, high-risk AI systems will be classified, and enhanced transparency requirements will be imposed on certain AI models, such as ChatGPT. European lawmakers aim to foster the development of safe, sustainable, and unbiased AI by promoting regulatory sandboxes and empowering citizens to lodge complaints regarding AI systems and understand their rights.
Greens MEP Kim van Sparrentak emphasized the importance of fundamental rights in regulating AI, stating, "This vote is a milestone in AI regulation and sends a clear message that fundamental rights should be the cornerstone of such regulation. AI should serve people, society, and the environment, and not the other way around."
Negotiations on the AI Act are expected to be finalized in June 2023.
In a separate development, the Biden Administration in the United States addressed AI regulation in a meeting with CEOs of major technology companies last week.