Legislation

EU Agrees on Landmark AI Regulation Deal

DEC 7 2023·Updated FEB 8 2024

Story

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

The Facts

European Union officials announced on Friday that a provisional deal on world-leading comprehensive artificial intelligence (AI) regulations had been reached, reportedly establishing obligations for "high-risk" general-purpose AI systems and restricting the use of biometric systems.
Verge
Despite the deal, the European Parliament will have to formally vote on the act early next year, with the eventual law that threatens harsh financial penalties coming into full effect in 2025 at the earliest.
ap
This comes after more than 36 hours of negotiations over three days between EU member states, the European Commission, and lawmakers on the so-called AI Act — their pioneering attempt to regulate the emerging technology.
Politico
The matter of regulating AI has become more pressing following the launch of the worldwide acclaimed ChatGPT chatbot a year ago, which showcased the advancing abilities of the trillion-dollar technology that's predicted to reshape the global economy.
nytimes
Though a draft version had been previously approved in June following efforts over two years to finalize the EU AI Act, that legislation wouldn't pass due to France, Germany, and Italy opposing its tight regulations on foundation models.
Tech Monitor
While Brussels has adopted a risk-based approach to regulating AI, the US has taken an incentive-based approach to the emerging technology in a bid to retain developers in the country.
wapo

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

The EU has a moral duty to push the AI Act through as soon as possible to protect the common good and address the risks inherent to the absurd proposal to refrain from regulating foundation models. Otherwise, one of the biggest scandals in its history will have taken place as lobbyists would have co-opted institutions to promote non-European interests.

EuroNews

Narrative B

Despite its downsides, self-regulation remains the best policy course to deal with AI, even compared to well-intentioned government regulation. The very complex nature of the controversial technology and its dynamic pace would make it challenging and costly to enforce government-imposed guidelines. Additionally, countries that over-regulate may lag behind in the global AI race.

The Hill