questions and answers
New rules on artificial intelligence – what does the EU AI law mean?
A new law aims to make artificial intelligence safer. The EU Parliament is scheduled to vote on it this Wednesday.
There were tough negotiations, but now the Europe-wide rules for artificial intelligence are to come. Can they make using technology safer?
What is the proposed law about?
The law aims to make the use of artificial intelligence (AI) safer in the European Union. It aims to ensure that AI systems are transparent, understandable, non-discriminatory and environmentally friendly. An important aspect is that the AI systems are monitored by people and not just by other technologies.
The plans go back to a proposal from the EU Commission in 2021. Accordingly, AI systems should be divided into different risk groups in the future. The higher the potential dangers of an application, the higher the requirements should be. AI that is used to manipulate human behavior should therefore be banned in Europe.
Artificial intelligence usually refers to applications based on machine learning, in which software sifts through large amounts of data for matches and draws conclusions from them.
Why is that important?
The use of AI is widespread and constantly increasing. Although artificial intelligence is often useful, it also poses potential dangers. The European Commission emphasizes that although most AI systems do not pose major risks, it is important to put regulations in place to mitigate any possible dangers.
The Commission sees particular risks in biometric surveillance and personal decisions supported by AI systems, for example in the areas of law enforcement, education and training.
Who would the decision impact?
The law should apply to everyone who develops, offers or uses AI systems within the EU. This affects public and private actors both inside and outside the EU, the Commission said.
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What happens next if the law is passed?
Six months after the law comes into force, member states must first gradually decommission banned systems. After two years, all points of the law will be fully implemented.
What happens if someone doesn’t follow the law?
Member States must decide on sanctions if companies do not comply with the rules. These can include fines. Private individuals who discover violations of the rules can complain to national authorities. They can then initiate monitoring procedures and, if necessary, impose penalties.