Europe took a significant step towards implementing the world’s first regulations on artificial intelligence as EU lawmakers approved a preliminary agreement for the AI Act. This legislation will govern foundation models and generative AI systems like Microsoft-backed OpenAI, which are trained on vast amounts of data to produce new content and execute tasks.
The AI Act will specifically address the use of high-impact AI models and high-risk AI systems, imposing transparency requirements and compliance with EU copyright laws. Notably, the regulations will limit the use of real-time biometric surveillance by governments in public spaces to specific cases, such as combating serious crimes or terrorist threats.
With over 500 EU lawmakers supporting the deal, the European Parliament has shown strong backing for the comprehensive framework that the EU AI Act provides. EU industry chief Thierry Breton welcomed the overwhelming approval, emphasizing that Europe is leading the way in establishing trustworthy AI standards.
EU member states are expected to formalize their approval of the agreement in May, with the legislation projected to take effect in early 2023 and be fully applicable by 2026. The provisions of the AI Act are anticipated to influence global AI regulation, serving as a model for other countries and regions.
According to Patrick Van Eecke, a partner at law firm Cooley, the enforcement of the AI Act positions the European Union as a trailblazer in AI legislation. Van Eecke highlights that the global impact of the AI Act may parallel the influence of the GDPR, with other nations likely to adopt similar frameworks in the future.
