EU Takes First Steps Towards Regulating Generative AI

In a groundbreaking development, the European Union is working towards introducing the world’s first comprehensive laws governing generative AI tools like ChatGPT. As part of the early EU agreement, companies deploying these technologies must disclose any copyrighted material used during development. The European Commission drafted the AI Act nearly two years ago. This was done in response to the growing popularity and investment in generative AI technology.

Additionally, following the release of OpenAI’s AI-powered chatbot, ChatGPT, there has been growing unrest regarding users’ data privacy. The European Parliament has recently agreed to move the draft to the trialogue stage. The EU lawmakers and member states will finalize the bill’s details at this stage.

Also Read: Europe’s Data Protection Board Forms ChatGPT Privacy Task Force

Classifying AI Tools by Risk Levels

Under the proposed regulations, AI tools will be classified based on their perceived risk levels, thus, ranging from minimal to limited, high, and unacceptable. Areas of concern include biometric surveillance, misinformation, and discriminatory language. Companies utilizing high-risk tools will be subject to strict transparency requirements, but they will not ban them outright.

Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT and image generator Midjourney will also fall under the new regulations. Thus, requiring companies to disclose any copyrighted material used in their development.

Also Read: AI “Could Be” Dangerous – Joe Biden

Striking a Balance Between Regulation and Innovation

Svenja Hahn, a European Parliament deputy, praised the compromise reached by EU lawmakers. She stated that the agreement would ensure proportional regulation of AI. While protecting citizens’ rights and simultaneously fostering innovation and boosting the economy.

The initial proposal by the EU considered banning the use of copyrighted material to train generative AI models. However, this idea was abandoned in favor of the transparency requirement, which was added late in the drafting process.

Navigating the Final Stages of the AI Act

As the AI Act moves into the trialogue stage, EU lawmakers and member states will work together to refine the bill’s details. Hahn emphasized the importance of the solid compromise reached by parliament.  The compromise balances the need for regulation with the potential for innovation and economic growth.

Also Read: China Takes Bold Step to Regulate Generative AI Services

The Impact of Generative AI on the Tech Industry

The rapid rise of OpenAI’s ChatGPT chatbot, the fastest-growing consumer application in history with 100 million monthly active users, triggered a race among tech companies to develop generative AI products. This led to increasing concern among observers, with Twitter owner Elon Musk even supporting a proposal to halt the development of such systems for six months.

Also Read: Elon Musk’s Urgent Warning, Demands Pause on AI Research

Our Say

As generative AI technology becomes more prevalent, it is crucial to regulate its use to protect citizens’ rights and privacy. The proposed AI Act by the EU is a significant step towards ensuring that companies employing AI technology do so ethically and transparently. With the potential to reshape the industry, the forthcoming laws will be closely watched by tech companies, policymakers, and citizens alike.

Also Read: Europe Considers AI Chatbot Bans Following Italy’s Block of ChatGPT