The European Union's Artificial Intelligence Act is a groundbreaking piece of legislation designed to regulate AI within the EU. Its primary goal is to ensure AI systems are safe, transparent, and respectful of fundamental rights. The Act takes a risk-based approach, categorizing AI systems into different levels of risk and imposing specific requirements and restrictions accordingly.
One of the key aspects of the Act is its broad scope, which extends beyond private companies to also bind governments. This means that governments will be required to use AI in a way that respects fundamental rights and ensures transparency and accountability.
The Act prohibits AI systems that pose an unacceptable risk, such as those used for social scoring, biometric surveillance, or manipulating human behavior. High-risk AI systems, including those used in critical infrastructure, education, and law enforcement, are subject to strict requirements, such as transparency, documentation, and human oversight.
Generative AI systems, like ChatGPT, must disclose that the content was generated by AI and comply with EU copyright law. The Act also aims to support AI innovation and startups in Europe by allowing companies to develop and test general-purpose AI models before public release.
Non-compliance with the Act can result in significant fines, ranging from €7.5 million to €35 million or 1.5% to 7% of global turnover. The Act's regulatory framework is designed to promote innovation while ensuring safety and compliance, and its impact will be felt not just within the EU but also globally, as companies and governments around the world take note of the EU's approach to AI regulation.
