The European Commission is proposing a Regulation for laying down harmonised rules on Artificial Intelligence (AI). This legal framework addresses the risks of AI and positions Europe to play a leading role globally.
AI is a fast-evolving collection of technologies with a wide array of possibilities for economic and societal benefits. However, the same elements that bring these new opportunities also make us vulnerable to new risks. It is in the interest of the European Union (EU) to preserve the EU’s technological leadership while functioning accordingly with their values, fundamental rights and principles.
This legislation will help in achieving a European approach to the ethical and human implications of AI. Furthermore, the legislation aims to increase trust in AI-based solutions. AI should be a tool that increases human well-being and therefore a force for good in society.
The four specific objectives of the regulatory framework are:
- “ensure that AI systems placed on the Union market and users are safe and respect existing law on fundamental rights and Union values;
- ensure legal certainty to facilitate investment and innovation in AI;
- enhance governance and effective enforcement of existing law on fundamental rights and safety requirements applicable to AI systems;
- facilitate the development of a single market for lawful, safe and trustworthy AI applications and prevent market fragmentation.”
In order to achieve those objectives, the proposal presents a regulatory approach for AI with the minimum requirements to deal with the risks related to AI. The legislation wants to avoid excessively constraining the development of AI-based solutions or increasing the costs disproportionately.
For more information, read the full proposal for the legal framework and the Communication on Fostering a European approach to Artificial Intelligence.
Additional information on AI can be found in the Technology Focus on Artificial Intelligence report which is part of a series of analytical reports focused on advanced technology trends fostering the digital transformation of Europe. For more information on The Advanced Technology for Industry (ATI) project, explore the ATI website.