Europe’s regulations on artificial intelligence (AI) are poised to come into effect next month, following the endorsement of a political agreement by EU countries, potentially establishing a global benchmark for regulating a technology that pervades all aspects of life and commerce.
The AI Act, approved after EU lawmakers made significant revisions to the legislation proposed by the European Commission in 2021, is seen as more comprehensive compared to the United States’ approach of voluntary compliance and China’s focus on social stability and state control.
Concerns regarding AI’s role in amplifying misinformation, fake news, and copyright infringement have escalated worldwide, particularly with the rise in popularity of generative AI systems like Microsoft-backed OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini chatbot.
Belgian digitisation minister Mathieu Michel hailed the AI Act as a groundbreaking law that not only addresses a universal technological challenge but also presents opportunities for societies and economies globally. He emphasized the importance of trust, transparency, and accountability in managing new technologies, while also fostering innovation and growth in Europe’s tech sector.
