In a significant achievement for technology control, European lawmakers have passed an effective Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act). This new law marks the world’s first major law to regulate artificial intelligence (AI).

The AI Act’s Objectives:

Putting safety first, the groundbreaking Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act) prioritizes ensuring that AI development respects fundamental rights. This doesn’t mean stifling progress, though. In fact, the Act also encourages innovation in the field of AI technologies.

Here’s how it works: The Act lays out clear requirements for different AI systems. These requirements are based on the level of risk each system poses. So, high-risk AI used in areas like healthcare will have stricter rules than, say, a simple music recommendation program.

Do you know what is Banned in the new AI Act?

This new Act takes a firm stance against certain AI applications deemed threatening to citizens’ rights. This includes:

Ban on Biometric Categorization: The Act says no to systems that sort people into groups based on sensitive details like race or religion.

Schools and Workplaces Say No to Emotion Readers: This new law bans AI that tries to figure out people’s emotions (emotion detection) in these places.

No More Manipulative AI: The Act prohibits AI designed to take advantage of people’s weaknesses or control their behavior.

Law Enforcement Considerations:

While some exemptions exist for law enforcement, the Act implements strict safeguards to prevent misuse. For instance, real-time biometric identification systems require prior authorization and limitations on use.

High-Risk AI Systems:

The Act places specific requirements on high-risk AI systems, particularly those used in critical sectors like healthcare and law enforcement. These systems must:

Transparency Throughout controlling AI:

The Act emphasizes transparency for all AI systems, with additional requirements for powerful models that could pose systemic risks. Anyone who creates fake videos or other media using AI must clearly label them as fakes.

Fostering Innovation for All:

Recognizing the importance of small businesses, the Act mandates the creation of regulatory sandboxes and real-world testing environments. This allows startups and SMEs to develop innovative AI solutions in a safe and controlled setting.

Lawmakers’ Perspective:

Lawmakers have highlighted the AI Act’s significance in addressing risks, promoting transparency, and protecting citizens’ rights. They view it as a crucial step in reshaping technology governance and ensuring a responsible approach to AI development.

The Road Ahead:

Right now, the law is getting its final review before being officially approved. Once that happens, the law won’t go into effect all at once. Instead, different parts of the law will be rolled out at specific times.

Building a Responsible Future:

The Artificial Intelligence Act is a direct response to citizen concerns about safe and trustworthy technology. It reflects the EU’s commitment to responsible AI governance and positions them as a global leader in shaping the future of AI.

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