The European Union (EU) is on the verge of finalizing a groundbreaking law to regulate artificial intelligence (AI), with a specific focus on monitoring generative AI models like ChatGPT. This move comes in response to the rapid advancements in AI technology and the urgent need to balance innovation with potential risks. The EU aims to protect its citizens’ rights, especially in terms of privacy and data protection.
Negotiations on the comprehensive AI law began in June, following the proposal by the European Commission, the EU’s executive arm. The law aims to classify AI systems based on the level of risk they pose, with greater obligations for systems that carry higher risks to citizens’ rights and health. However, discussions have faced significant hurdles in recent weeks, particularly regarding the regulation of general-purpose AI models like ChatGPT and Google’s Bard chatbot.
Some EU member states have expressed concerns that excessive regulation could stifle innovation and hinder the emergence of European AI giants to compete with major players in the United States, including OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, as well as tech giants like Google and Meta. Negotiators from the European Parliament and EU member states are set to meet to continue discussions, with the aim of reaching an agreement.
However, reaching a consensus on certain key issues remains challenging. One major point of contention is the regulation of foundation models, which are designed to perform a wide range of tasks. France, Germany, and Italy advocate for excluding such models from the law, while the European Parliament insists on their regulation for the sake of transparency.
Another contentious issue is remote biometric surveillance, particularly facial identification through public camera data. The EU parliament seeks a complete ban on real-time remote biometric identification systems, while some member states oppose this proposal. The European Commission initially suggested that exemptions could be made to aid in finding potential crime victims, including missing children.
Despite the remaining hurdles, there is optimism that an agreement can be reached. The EU’s internal market commissioner, Thierry Breton, has noted significant progress and hopes for a successful outcome. It is crucial for the EU to finalize the law before the end of 2023, though its implementation would not occur until 2026 at the earliest.
The need for regulating AI and its potential impacts is not limited to the EU. Countries worldwide, including the United States, have also taken steps to address the risks associated with AI. US President Joe Biden issued an executive order in October to regulate AI, aiming to mitigate its potential dangers.
As the EU seeks to strike a balance between fostering innovation and protecting citizens’ rights, the finalization of the world’s first comprehensive AI law is anticipated to have a profound impact not only within the EU but also globally.
