The European Union (EU) has taken a leading role in regulating Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to ensure safety, clarity, and ethical use. The new European Artificial Intelligence Act represents a significant step in global AI governance, establishing a comprehensive framework to manage AI development and usage within the EU.
The EU AI Act is designed to address various issues, including managing potential risks, safeguarding privacy, and promoting a favorable environment. A key feature of the act is its risk-based approach, whereby specific regulations are determined based on the level of risk associated with AI applications.
Under the Act, high-risk AI applications will be banned, and transparency requirements will be implemented to ensure accountability. Additionally, any AI systems deemed risky will undergo a thorough risk assessment before deployment.
The EU emphasizes the importance of human oversight in AI applications to prevent undesirable outcomes and ensure safety in essential services. The Act also holds AI leaders personally responsible for their systems, discouraging the misuse of AI for harmful purposes.
Melih Yonet, Head of Legal at Intenseye, a leading Environmental Health and Safety platform powered by AI, underscores the critical need for privacy and safety in AI technology. Yonet emphasizes the importance of integrating privacy-by-design principles in AI solutions, including techniques like pseudonymization and anonymization to mitigate risks and comply with regulatory requirements.
Yonet also highlights the significance of building trust in AI systems to drive innovation, productivity, and a culture of safety. By ensuring accountability, minimizing harm, and combatting bias, the EU AI regulation aims to prevent AI technology from posing threats to society.
In conclusion, the EU AI Act sets out to mitigate the risks associated with AI technology, promote transparency, and ensure ethical use. By addressing concerns related to bias, misinformation, and accountability, the regulation seeks to uphold the safety and integrity of AI-driven processes.