EU Passes ‘Historic’ AI Regulation Legislation
By Movieguide® Contributor
The European Union just made history as the first legislative body to pass legislation regulating the use of AI technology.
“Europe has positioned itself as a pioneer, understanding the importance of its role as a global standard setter,” said Thierry Breton, the European commissioner who helped negotiate the deal to approve the AI Act, per The Hollywood Reporter.
Breton called the legislation “historic,” saying they set “clear rules for the use of AI.”
“[It’s] much more than a rulebook — it’s a launch pad for EU start-ups and researchers to lead the global AI race,” he said, per the BBC.
The AI Act was passed by the European Commission, the European Council and the European Parliament after a 36-hour negotiation.
EU Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen said this piece of legislation would provide “legal certainty” and open “the way for innovation in trustworthy AI.”
Von der Leyen added that the AI Act would also make “a substantial contribution to the development of global guardrails for trustworthy AI.”
The act still needs to win final approval from the European Parliament and the Council, with a vote most likely coming in June 2024. If the vote happens on time, parts of the AI Act could go into effect starting next year, with the rest coming in 2025 and 2026.
The EU’s regulations “can set a powerful example for many governments considering regulation,” said Anu Bradford, a Columbia Law School professor and expert on EU law and digital regulation.
Bradford also said other countries “may not copy every provision but will likely emulate many aspects of it.”
AI has become a major topic of conversation, with many warning against its use. Movieguide® previously reported:
THE MARTIAN producer Ridley Scott recently warned the entertainment industry about the dangers of artificial intelligence.
“We have to lock down AI. And I don’t know how you’re going to lock it down,” he told Rolling Stone. “They have these discussions in the government, ‘How are we going to lock down AI?’ …You’re never going to lock it down. Once it’s out, it’s out.”
“If I’m designing AI, I’m going to design a computer whose first job is to design another computer that’s cleverer than the first one,” he added. “And when they get together, then you’re in trouble, because then it can take over the whole electrical-monetary system in the world and switch it off. That’s your first disaster. It’s a technical hydrogen bomb. Think about what that would mean.”
