European Publishers Call for Approval of EU’s AI Act
Brussels, Belgium – The Federation of European Publishers has issued a statement urging European Union member-states to demonstrate global leadership by approving the EU’s AI Act during their upcoming meeting. The AI Act, which forms part of the EU’s digital strategy, aims to regulate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure responsible and ethical deployment of the technology.
The release of the statement comes in the wake of the AI Act’s approval in December, setting the stage for its submission to the EU parliament for a vote in June. The federation represents over 200 organizations from Europe’s creative and cultural sectors, including authors, publishers, publishers’ associations, and related agencies.
Emphasizing the importance of the AI Act, the federation highlights its potential to solidify Europe’s position as a global leader in the regulation of AI systems. By establishing a standardized framework, the AI Act would provide clarity and guidelines for the utilization of AI technology, benefiting EU citizens, creators, rights holders, industry players, and the wider economy.
One area of focus within the AI Act is the regulation of General Purpose AI Models in response to the rapid emergence of popular generative AI tools. The federation commends the proposed light-touch obligations for these models, noting that they represent a foundation for ensuring respect for creators’ rights and content authorization within the AI ecosystem.
The introduction of such obligations for generative AI would support the licensing of creative content to AI models, facilitating partnerships and innovation opportunities. Furthermore, it positions the EU to play a leading role in setting global standards for AI regulation—an essential enabler for value creation, development, and innovation in the field.
The federation’s statement is accompanied by a graphic showcasing the logos of its various members, including publishers, publishers’ associations, and related agencies. Through their unified representation, they seek to amplify their call for the approval of the AI Act, advocating for the interests and rights of creators and upholding commercial freedoms while fostering a healthy and responsible AI landscape.
With the forthcoming Coreper session, where the AI Act will be considered, the European Publishers’ Federation hopes that member-states will seize this unique opportunity to lead the way in shaping effective AI regulation. Their united voice urges action for the benefit of all stakeholders involved, envisioning a future where AI is harnessed responsibly, bolstering Europe’s position as a global innovator in artificial intelligence.
