EU reaches landmark deal on world’s first extensive AI rules
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM — The European Union has reached a provisional agreement on legislation that will regulate the development and use of artificial intelligence (AI) systems across its 27 member states.
Brando Benifei, an Italian lawmaker co-leading the body’s negotiating efforts, told The Associated Press that they had to accept some compromises regarding the law, “but overall [it is] very good.”
The landmark Artificial Intelligence Act aims to mitigate the dangers of AI functions depending on their risk, from minimal to unacceptable.
“Historic! The EU becomes the very first continent to set clear rules for the use of AI,” European Commissioner Thierry Breton posted on X.
Historic!
The EU becomes the very first continent to set clear rules for the use of AI 🇪🇺
The #AIAct is much more than a rulebook — it's a launchpad for EU startups and researchers to lead the global AI race.
The best is yet to come! 👍 pic.twitter.com/W9rths31MU
— Thierry Breton (@ThierryBreton) December 8, 2023
The AI Act, which will fully take effect in 2025, covers large language models like chatbots, which will face new reporting requirements. Violations could result in fines of up to €35 million ($38 million) or 7% of global annual turnover.
The landmark agreement has been hailed as setting the bar for AI governance globally. In the United States, tech giants joined President Joe Biden’s AI regulation initiative while United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak advocated a careful approach to AI regulation.
On the other hand, rights groups express concerns about the lack of protection of EU’s AI law for AI systems used in migration and border control.
