The AI Act, which is expected to be voted on by the European Parliament early next year, was initially designed to mitigate the dangers from specific AI functions based on their level of risk. It has since been expanded to include foundation models, the advanced systems that underpin general-purpose AI services. The Act also covers AI-powered face recognition surveillance systems, with a compromise reached to allow law enforcement to use them in serious crimes. However, rights groups have expressed concern over the exemptions and other loopholes in the Act.
Key takeaways:
- European Union negotiators have reached a deal on the world's first comprehensive artificial intelligence rules, which includes legal oversight of AI technology.
- The Artificial Intelligence Act covers controversial points such as generative AI and police use of face recognition surveillance, but has been criticized for not going far enough in protecting people from harm caused by AI systems.
- The EU's rules could set a powerful example for other governments considering AI regulation, and AI companies subject to the EU's rules may extend some of those obligations outside the continent.
- Despite calls for a full ban on public use of face scanning and other remote biometric identification systems, exemptions have been negotiated for law enforcement to use them to tackle serious crimes.