Brussels, Drcember 09, 2023, The Europe Today: European Union member states and lawmakers reached a preliminary agreement on what they touted as the world’s first comprehensive AI regulations on Friday.
This landmark deal aims to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, including ChatGPT and governments’ use of AI in biometric surveillance.
According to the European Parliament the new deal sets a global precedent as the world’s first AI law, with the EU poised to be the first major region to implement such laws.
“Historic! The EU becomes the very first continent to set clear rules for the use of AI,” EU Commissioner Thierry Breton, said on social media. “The AI Act is much more than a rulebook — it’s a launch pad for EU startups and researchers to lead the global AI race.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen heralded the “global first” AI Act “for the safety and fundamental rights of people and businesses.”
The agreement is sure to draw close attention from AI companies as various global players mull similar regulations.
The EU set global standards as it drafted the first rules of AI regulations in 2021.
The latest deal took shape after nearly 15 hours of talks, which followed an almost 24-hour debate the previous day.
One of the key sticking points was the use of AI for facial recognition surveillance and required intense negotiations.
The agreement includes provisions for transparency, safeguards, and severe penalties for non-compliance — with fines up to €35 million ($38 million) or 7% of a company’s global revenue.
The final legislation will be worked out in the coming days and Brussels hopes it could come into force by 2025.
