The European Union has officially approved the world’s first landmark AI legislation, making it a historic day in the realm of technology and regulation. The new AI Act, described as the first of its kind globally, emphasizes a human-centric, innovative, and safe approach to artificial intelligence for EU citizens and businesses.
Belgian deputy prime minister and minister for telecommunications, Petra De Sutter, expressed the significance of this milestone, highlighting the focus on ensuring that AI systems are risk-based and categorized according to the level of risk they pose. The act will establish various governing bodies for enforcement, including an AI office, a scientific panel of independent experts, an AI board, and an advisory forum for stakeholders. It will also address the use of general-purpose AI models.
The European Parliament and the Council of the EU initially reached a provisional deal on the AI Act in December 2023, with the final approval taking place in March this year. The act aims to harmonize rules on artificial intelligence, creating a uniform legal framework for AI systems that prioritize the protection of individuals’ health, safety, and fundamental rights. It aligns with key EU legislations such as the Treaty on European Union and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union to ensure compliance with democratic principles, the rule of law, and environmental protection.
Mathieu Michel, Belgian secretary of state for digitization, administrative simplification, privacy protection, and building regulation, emphasized the significance of the AI Act in addressing global technological challenges and creating opportunities for European societies and economies. Overall, the AI Act represents a monumental step forward for the EU in regulating and harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence for the benefit of its citizens and businesses.
