The European Union's Artificial Intelligence Act has gone into effect, establishing a framework for the responsible deployment of AI technologies across member states. The comprehensive regulation aims to safeguard consumer rights, promote innovation, and protect fundamental rights and values.
The EU has banned certain AI-enabled practices, including manipulative, exploitative, social control, or surveillance techniques that violate fundamental rights and Union values. For instance, AI systems that categorize individuals based on biometric data to deduce sensitive characteristics, such as race, political opinions, or sexual orientation, are prohibited. Additionally, AI systems cannot infer emotions of individuals in workplaces or educational institutions, except for medical or safety reasons.
The use of real-time biometric identification systems in public spaces for law enforcement purposes is largely banned, with exceptions for specific crimes like terrorism or kidnapping. Companies must also be transparent about AI-generated content, such as labeling deepfake images and disclosing AI-powered interactions.
The EU AI Act takes a risk-based approach, categorizing AI systems into different levels of risk. AI systems that pose significant risks to fundamental rights and values are prohibited, while those in areas like healthcare, education, and law enforcement are subject to strict obligations around transparency, risk controls, human oversight, and technical reliability.
The Act will be enforced by 27 national market surveillance authorities designated by member states and the European data protection supervisor. Companies that fail to comply with the regulations may face significant fines, ranging from 7.5 million to 35 million euros, or 1.5% to 7% of their global turnover, depending on the severity of the violation.
By establishing a framework for responsible AI deployment, the EU aims to promote innovation while protecting citizens' rights and values. The Act's risk-based approach and strict enforcement mechanisms are designed to ensure that AI technologies are developed and used in ways that benefit society as a whole.
