Europe Makes History As The First To Regulate AI, Affecting Platforms Like ChatGPT And Deepfakes

By Thea Felicity

Mar 14, 2024 09:57 AM EDT

This illustration photo taken on January 30, 2023 shows a phone screen displaying a statement from the head of security policy at META with a fake video of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky calling on his soldiers to lay down their weapons shown in the background, in Washington, DC. - Chatbots spouting falsehoods, face-swapping apps generating fake porn and cloned voices defrauding companies of millions -- governments are scrambling to regulate AI-powered deepfakes widely feared to be a misinformation super spreader.
(Photo : Photo by OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP via Getty Images)

Europe makes a historical move as the first region to enact comprehensive artificial intelligence law. It will be expected to be officially ratified by EU member countries by May or June, with provisions set to effect six months thereafter.

Everything To Know About Europe's Artificial Intelligence Law

According to the European Parliament, under Europe's AI regulation or AI act, stringent measures are implemented to regulate the use of AI systems categorized as "high-risk." The new artificial intelligence law specifically targets AI applications that could have serious negative effects, like using biometric data to determine someone's race or sexual orientation.

These high-risk AI applications, which might be used in hiring or law enforcement, will be closely monitored and regulated more strictly.

Developers of these AI systems must also prove that they are safe, transparent, and follow privacy rules.

On the other hand, AI tools considered to have lower risks will face fewer regulatory restrictions. However, developers must still label AI-generated deepfake content to maintain transparency and accountability.

Failure to adhere to the regulations outlined in Europe's artificial intelligence law may lead to significant financial penalties, with fines of up to 7 percent of annual global profits imposed on entities that do not comply.

How Will Europe Enfore Its AI Regulation?

Regarding enforcement, every EU member state will create its own AI watchdog agency to ensure compliance and handle complaints from citizens. This will come with a specialized AI Office in Brussels, which will oversee the application and enforcement of the law, with a focus on general-purpose AI systems.

A significant aspect of Europe's AI regulation is its focus on regulating influential AI models recognized to present "systemic risks," like OpenAI's Chat GPT4, Google's Gemini, Deepfake tools, and the like.

The Hollywood Reporter remarked that companies behind these widely acknowledged AI systems must conduct comprehensive risk assessments, implement robust cybersecurity measures, and provide transparent disclosures regarding operations and energy consumption.

Aligned with previous digital regulations such as the Digital Services Act, which tackles social media abuse, and the Digital Markets Act, addressing market dominance by digital platforms, the artificial intelligence law strives to create a comprehensive regulatory framework for AI technologies.

Once in effect, the EU's AI act will help establish a global benchmark with other nations like Brazil and Japan, expecting to adopt similar measures.

Europe's AI regulation promises to be a collaborative effort to find a middle ground between promoting innovation and protecting societal welfare, particularly with reports of AI tools like Gemini AI being increasingly ineffective in results and destructive in implications.

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