EU Countries Unite to Endorse Historic AI Act
EU countries have officially backed the groundbreaking AI Act, set to take effect in the upcoming month. The European Council, composed of EU member states, gave its approval to the Artificial Intelligence Act, paving the way for its imminent implementation.
The journey towards regulating AI in Europe began in 2021 when the EU first laid the groundwork for the proposed AI legislation. By June 2023, significant modifications had been made to the draft rules, including bans on biometric surveillance and requirements for generative AI systems to disclose AI-generated content.
After intense negotiations in December 2023 lasting over 36 hours, the European Union succeeded in establishing the world’s most comprehensive set of regulations for AI. Initially met with reluctance from some members, the endorsement of countries like Germany, France, and Italy added momentum to the law’s approval.
The recent approval by the European Council marks a significant milestone in setting global standards for AI governance. Mathieu Michel, the Belgian secretary of state for digitization, hailed the AI Act as a pioneering legislation that addresses the challenges posed by new technologies while creating opportunities for progress and innovation.
Significantly, the AI Act underscores the values of trust, transparency, and accountability in navigating the evolving tech landscape. Now, with formal approval from both the European Parliament and the European Council, the AI Act is on track to be signed and published in the EU’s Official Journal shortly.
In a rapidly advancing technological world, Europe’s emphasis on responsible AI deployment sets a precedent for other regions to follow. As the AI Act prepares to come into effect, it symbolizes a crucial step towards harnessing the potential of AI for societal and economic progress.
