Stricter regulation for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) will apply in the EU in the future. On 21 May 2024, the European Council approved a law to harmonize AI rules, known as the Artificial Intelligence Act. A historic moment, not only for Brussels, as the law is considered to be the most comprehensive in Europe's legislative history and is the first set of rules of its kind in the world.
Mathieu Michel, Belgian State Secretary for Digitalization, said: "The adoption of the AI act is a significant milestone for the European Union. This landmark law, the first of its kind in the world, addresses a global technological challenge that also creates opportunities for our societies and economies."
The law calls for governance that makes the risks of AI systems manageable throughout their entire life cycle. Implementation poses challenges, but also opportunities for organizations. With the right approach, they can improve their AI quality, demonstrate social responsibility and take a pioneering role in the digital transformation using AI.
Key elements at a glance:
- Harmonization and central regulation: Establishment of an AI authority for EU-wide adaptation of regulations for AI systems with transitional periods of 6-36 months;
- Introduction of risk classes: Regulation depending on risk assessments, some systems will be banned, others will be allowed but subjected to a set of requirements and obligations;
- Digital watermarking: Documentation, monitoring, quality requirements for high-risk AI systems;
- General Purpose AI (GPAI): stricter regulation, transparency requirements, copyright, quality and risk management;
- Emotion recognition systems: Obligation to inform the persons exposed to such systems;
- Sanctions: Non-compliance leads sometimes to high fines.
The AI Act comes into force twenty days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. However, most of the rules will not take effect for another two years.
Source: Council of the European Union
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