The European Union has taken a major step toward regulating artificial intelligence (AI) by approving a new law that will set rules for the development and use of AI systems. The law, which was approved by the European Parliament on June 15, 2023, establishes a risk-based approach to AI regulation, with different requirements for systems that pose different levels of risk. This is EU’s Major Step Toward AI Regulation.
Under the new law, AI systems that pose an “unacceptable risk” to people’s safety will be prohibited. This includes systems that are used for social scoring, that exploit people’s vulnerabilities, or that deploy subliminal or purposefully manipulative techniques.
High-risk AI systems, such as those that are used for facial recognition or for making decisions about people’s employment or healthcare, will be subject to a number of requirements, including:
- Transparency: Developers of high-risk AI systems will be required to provide clear information about how the systems work and how they make decisions.
- Human oversight: High-risk AI systems will be required to have human oversight to ensure that they are not used in a discriminatory or harmful way.
- Data protection: High-risk AI systems will be required to comply with EU data protection laws.
Low-risk AI systems will not be subject to any specific requirements. However, the law does require that all AI systems be developed and used in a way that is ethical and responsible.
The new AI law is a significant step forward for the EU in its efforts to regulate AI. The law is designed to ensure that AI is used in a way that is safe, ethical, and beneficial to society. The law is also expected to help the EU to become a global leader in the development and use of AI.
The new AI law will come into force in 2024.
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