Europe to Execute New AI Regulations

The European Union (EU) will enforce its AI Act next month, which sets out comprehensive regulations for artificial intelligence (AI). The Act, which was politically approved in December, presents a robust framework that requires strict transparency from high-risk AI systems and imposes limitations on the use of biometric surveillance by government entities.

Strict Transparency and Surveillance Restrictions

Under the AI Act, high-risk AI systems have been mandated to maintain stringent transparency. Furthermore, the law restricts government entities from utilizing real-time biometric surveillance in public spaces, with exceptions in specific cases such as the prevention of terrorist attacks or searching for serious crime suspects.

Compliance and Penalties

Non-compliance with the Act’s provisions may lead to substantial fines, ranging between 7.5 million euros to 35 million euros. This legislation is positioned to have a global impact, as companies outside the EU using EU customer data will also be required to comply with the rules set out by the AI Act.

Global Influence of the AI Act

According to Patrick van Eecke, a lawyer at Cooley, it is likely that the AI Act will be used as a blueprint by other countries and regions, in a similar vein to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Mathieu Michel, Belgian digitisation minister, referred to the AI Act as a “landmark law”, the first of its kind worldwide, addressing a global technological challenge that also creates opportunities for societies and economies.

Aiming for Safer and More Accountable AI Use

The new rules set out by the AI Act are expected to encourage a safer and more accountable use of artificial intelligence. The hope is to promote innovation while ensuring the rights and safety of individuals are protected.