The European Council has officially approved the European Union's landmark Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act, ushering in a new era of stricter regulation for high-risk AI applications. This pivotal move aims to ensure that AI technologies are developed and implemented responsibly across the EU.
The AI Act introduces a comprehensive ban on AI systems that engage in cognitive behavioral manipulation and social scoring, addressing growing concerns over privacy and individual rights. Additionally, the act prohibits predictive policing based on profiling and the use of biometric data for categorizing individuals by race, religion, or sexual orientation.
For general-purpose AI systems that do not pose systemic risks, the act mandates transparency requirements, fostering openness and accountability. However, AI systems deemed to carry significant risks must adhere to more stringent regulations to mitigate potential adverse impacts.
Interestingly, the AI Act exempts systems used exclusively for military, defense, and research purposes, acknowledging the unique requirements and sensitivities of these sectors.
To enforce the new regulations effectively, the act establishes several governing bodies, including an AI office, a scientific panel of experts, an AI board with member state representatives, and an advisory forum for stakeholders. These institutions will work collaboratively to oversee compliance and address emerging challenges in the AI landscape.
Following the formal signing by the presidents of the European Parliament and the Council, the legislative act will be published in the EU's Official Journal and is set to take effect 20 days thereafter, marking a significant milestone in the governance of artificial intelligence within the European Union.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
