The European Parliament has achieved consensus on comprehensive legislation aimed at governing artificial intelligence (AI) usage within the EU, prioritizing transparency and security.
On Thursday, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) endorsed the proposed AI Act, which seeks to prohibit biometric identification and categorization systems in public spaces due to their classification as high-risk, discriminatory, and invasive.
Romanian EuroParl co-rapporteur Dragos Tudorache remarked, “Considering the significant transformative potential of AI on our societies and economies, the AI Act stands out as perhaps the most crucial legislative effort of this mandate. As the first of its kind globally, it positions the EU to pioneer in shaping AI that is human-centric, trustworthy, and secure.”
The Act will categorize high-risk AI systems and impose stringent transparency requirements on specific models like ChatGPT. European legislators are focused on fostering safe, sustainable, and equitable AI practices, advocating for regulatory sandboxes, and empowering citizens to file complaints regarding AI systems while understanding their rights.
Greens MEP Kim van Sparrentak highlighted to Reuters, “This vote marks a pivotal moment in AI regulation and clearly indicates the Parliament’s commitment to ensuring that fundamental rights are at the forefront. AI should benefit people, society, and the environment, not the reverse.”
The subsequent phase of discussions regarding the AI Act is slated for conclusion in June 2023. Meanwhile, the Biden Administration recently engaged with Big Tech CEOs in the US to address AI regulation.