Germany, France, and Italy Reach Agreement on Regulation of AI, Accelerating EU Negotiations

Germany, France, and Italy Reach Agreement on Regulation of AI, Accelerating EU Negotiations

Germany, France, and Italy have come to a consensus on the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) in a joint effort to expedite discussions at the European level. A joint paper, seen by Reuters, reveals that the three governments support implementing binding voluntary commitments for both large and small AI providers across the European Union (EU).

Currently, the EU Council, the European Commission, and the European Parliament are engaged in negotiations to determine how the bloc should position itself in the rapidly advancing field of AI. In June, the European Parliament introduced an AI Act aimed at mitigating safety risks associated with AI applications and preventing discriminatory effects. The Parliament initially proposed that the code of conduct be legally binding only for major AI providers, primarily from the United States.

However, Germany, France, and Italy have cautioned against this selective advantage for smaller European providers. They argue that such a distinction may undermine trust in the security of these smaller providers and subsequently result in a loss of customers. Consequently, the governments of the three EU member states assert that the rules of conduct and transparency must apply to all AI providers.

For the time being, the joint paper suggests refraining from imposing sanctions. However, if violations of the code of conduct are identified after a certain period, a system of sanctions could be established. Additionally, the paper proposes the creation of a European authority to monitor compliance with the agreed standards.

Germany’s Economy Ministry, together with the Ministry of Digital Affairs, emphasizes that the regulation of AI should focus on its application rather than the technology itself. They believe that AI models that are not yet in use or have not been launched on the market should not be independently regulated by the state.

The topic of AI will be a key agenda item when the German and Italian governments meet in Berlin on Wednesday. Ahead of this meeting, Germany is hosting a digital summit in Jena, Thuringia, which will convene representatives from politics, business, and science.

In conclusion, Germany, France, and Italy’s agreement on the regulation of AI is expected to accelerate negotiations at the European level. The three governments advocate for mandatory commitments for both large and small AI providers across the EU. While the discussions surrounding AI regulation continue, it is crucial to strike a balance between fostering innovation and addressing potential risks and discrimination associated with this emerging technology.