European Union officials have achieved a groundbreaking provisional agreement, establishing the world’s first comprehensive regulations for governing the use of artificial intelligence (AI). After intense negotiations spanning 36 hours, negotiators have outlined rules focusing on AI systems like ChatGPT and facial recognition technology.
The proposed AI Act, set for a vote in the European Parliament early next year, marks a significant step in AI governance. However, the legislation’s implementation is not expected until at least 2025. The deal encompasses safeguards and restrictions on AI’s utilization by law enforcement agencies, granting consumers the right to lodge complaints and enabling fines for infringements.
EU Commissioner Thierry Breton hailed the agreement as “historic,” emphasizing its role in establishing “clear rules for the use of AI.” Breton added that beyond being a rulebook, the Act acts as a catalyst for EU startups and researchers to spearhead the global AI landscape.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen underscored the significance of the AI Act in fostering the development of AI technology that respects individuals’ safety and rights. She emphasized its role in providing a “unique legal framework for the development of AI you can trust.”
The European Parliament defines AI as software capable of generating outputs—such as content, predictions, or decisions—based on human-defined objectives. Generative AI, exemplified by programs like ChatGPT and DALL-E, learns from extensive data to produce content resembling human-generated material.
ChatGPT, a type of “chatbot,” engages in text conversations, while DALL-E generates images from simple text prompts. These AI programs represent a subset of generative AI, leveraging extensive datasets to create content that mimics human creation.
The landmark agreement signals a concerted effort by the EU to establish comprehensive guidelines for AI governance, aiming to balance technological innovation with ethical considerations and safeguarding individuals’ rights and privacy in the AI era.
