In a context of increasing significance of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the European Union is in the final stages of deliberation to establish a pioneering law regulating this technology. The European Commission, the European Council, and the European Parliament are focused on drafting this regulation, which aims to regulate the fundamental models used in tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
The primary purpose of this legislation is to foster technological progress while mitigating risks to security, among other factors. This involves prohibiting applications with “unacceptable risks” that violate fundamental rights, along with supervising those considered high-risk when used in the European territory. However, crucial aspects are still under discussion.
Negotiations, which commenced yesterday afternoon, seek to define a definitive framework for this regulation. After 18 hours of deliberation, initial agreements related to fundamental models were reached. However, aspects concerning biometric data, particularly regarding real-time biometric surveillance in public spaces, remain points of debate among the institutions.
The European Commission and governments of member states advocate for the use of biometric surveillance with judicial authorization to prevent serious crimes. In contrast, the European Parliament vehemently opposes this use, deeming it a violation of fundamental rights. Nevertheless, there are open stances to consider this surveillance under strict guarantees to protect rights.
The regulation of generative AI systems, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, and the prohibition of systems manipulating the cognitive behavior of vulnerable groups, are other crucial aspects in this debate. These regulations are expected to position Europe as a leader in legislative establishment for AI, addressing specific risks through complementary, proportional, and flexible standards.
Despite progress, the lack of clear prohibitions on exporting harmful AI technologies outside the EU has raised concerns among civil society organizations. Mher Hakobyan, an advisor at Amnesty International, criticizes this lack of restrictions, emphasizing the need for the EU to act consistently with its ethical principles and human rights in regulating and exporting these technologies.
Deadline for closing negotiations: Awaiting definition.
We will closely monitor the developments of these negotiations, crucial in the global regulation of Artificial Intelligence.