A new era for AI regulation: EU’s AI Act passes with overwhelming support

On 13 March 2024, the European Union officially adopted the AI ActThe EU Artificial Intelligence Act was approved by the EU Council on 21 March 2024. A world-first comprehensive AI law, intended to harmonise rules for the development, deployment, and use of artificial intelligence systems across the EU.. 

Viewed as groundbreaking legislation, the AI Act is the world’s first comprehensive framework to provide a legal structure for the management and oversight of artificial intelligenceThe use of computer systems to perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence, such as decision-making, speech recognition, translation etc. technologies. 

The regulation was passed with 523 MEPs voting in favour, 46 against, and 49 abstentions. 

Immediately after the vote, Thierry Breton, European Commissioner for the Internal Market, published a LinkedIn post stating, ‘Europe is NOW a global standard-setter in AI.’ 

The new law categorises AI systems based on their risk levels, ranging from unacceptable (which would see the technology banned), to high, medium, and low hazard. Essentially, the higher the risk, the stricter the rules. 

The aim of the regulation is to protect fundamental rights such as privacy, non-discrimination, and consumer rights, whilst supporting technological innovation. 

Key highlights of the Act include: 

• Protection of fundamental rights 
• Obligations for high-risk systems 
• Transparency requirements for General-purpose AI (GPAI) 
• Banning applications that threaten citizen’s rights, such as untargeted facial scraping 
• Measures to support SMEs and start-ups 

David Smith, DPO and AI Sector Lead at The DPO Centre said, 

‘As the AI Act comes into effect, it will be crucial for businesses, developers and stakeholders globally to understand and align with the new regulations. We see strong analogues with the EU’s existing privacy and data protection framework, which will help organisations prepare for compliance with the new law. We look forward to helping our clients navigate these challenging but exciting changes.’ 

We will be exploring the details of the AI Act in a forthcoming blog and infographic. 

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