EU’s AI Act to Set Global Standard in AI Regulation, Asian Countries Remain Cautious

The European Union is leading the charge in regulating artificial intelligence (AI) with its proposed AI Act, which includes rules for tech firms on disclosing copyrighted and AI-generated content. The EU is now urging Asian countries, including India, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and the Philippines, to adopt similar regulations. However, Asian countries have varying approaches to AI regulation, with some expressing caution and favoring flexibility over strict rules. This article explores the EU’s efforts to promote its AI Act as a global benchmark and how Asian nations respond to the call for greater AI regulation.

Also Read: EU Takes a Stand with AI Rules

EU’s Push for Global AI Standards

The European Union aims to position its AI Act as the international standard for governing AI technology. With data protection laws like GDPR having shaped global privacy standards, the EU now seeks to lead the way in regulating AI. To achieve this, EU officials have engaged in discussions with at least ten Asian countries, hoping to persuade them to adopt similar stringent rules.

Also Read: EU Takes First Steps Towards Regulating Generative AI

Mixed Response from Asian Countries

While the EU’s push for AI regulation is strong, Asian countries have varied responses to the proposed AI Act. Singapore, a leading tech center in Asia, prefers to observe how AI technology evolves before implementing local regulations. Similarly, the Philippines is cautious about hasty regulations that might stifle AI innovation.

Also Read: China’s Proposed AI Regulations Shake the Industry

Japan’s Flexible Approach

Japan, focusing on using technology to boost economic growth and lead in advanced chips, leans towards a more flexible regulatory regime rather than adopting the stringent approach advocated by the EU. The country seeks to balance fostering innovation and ensuring responsible AI use.

Global Cooperation on AI

Efforts to establish global cooperation on AI are not limited to Asian countries. European nations, including talks with Canada, Turkey, and Israel, are part of a broader endeavor to collaborate on technology. The EU aims to apply its regulations, much like the GDPR, in a mirrored and applicable manner with its international partners.

Also Read: U.S. Congress Takes Action: Two New Bills Propose Regulation on Artificial Intelligence

EU’s Draft Rules and Industry Response

The EU lawmakers have drafted rules under the AI Act, demanding companies like OpenAI to disclose AI-generated content and implement safeguards against illegal content and deep fake images. However, the proposed legislation faces resistance from companies, with concerns raised about its potential impact on Europe’s competitiveness and innovation.

Also Read: OpenAI Raises Concerns Over EU’s AI Regulations, Threatens to Cease Operating in Europe

G7 and Hiroshima AI Process

Leaders of the G7 economies have called for adopting standards to ensure “trustworthy” AI. The G7’s ministerial forum, known as the “Hiroshima AI process,” is another platform for advancing discussions on AI regulation.

Our Say

The EU’s AI Act seeks to set the global benchmark for AI regulation, emphasizing stringent rules for tech firms. While European nations continue to talk with Asian countries to gain support for the proposed regulations, the response from Asian nations remains cautious and diverse. Some countries prefer a wait-and-see approach, while others lean towards a more flexible regulatory regime to foster innovation. Achieving global cooperation on AI will be a complex process, requiring finding common ground among nations with diverse interests and approaches to AI regulation.