TLDR:
- The European Union has approved a landmark AI law, surpassing the US in regulating AI technology.
- The law bans unacceptable uses of AI and imposes strict regulations on high-risk applications.
European Union lawmakers have finalized a groundbreaking law governing artificial intelligence, positioning themselves as leaders in regulating critical technologies, leaving the United States behind in AI regulation. The law prohibits certain unacceptable uses of AI and establishes strict guardrails for high-risk applications. It outlaws social scoring systems, biometric-based tools for predicting personal characteristics, and the interpretation of emotions by AI in various settings, such as schools and workplaces. Additionally, it introduces transparency requirements for companies producing powerful AI models, mandates clear labeling for AI-generated deepfakes, and sets guidelines for high-risk AI applications in areas like education and hiring.
The swift response of EU policymakers to the rising popularity of advanced AI tools, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, is evident through this legislation. While the EU has taken proactive steps to address AI regulation, the United States lags behind in enacting similar federal laws, despite sporadic efforts by lawmakers. The two-year transition period before the law comes into effect emphasizes the EU’s commitment to ensuring responsible AI use, highlighting the need for global standards in AI governance and accountability.