EU Artificial Intelligence Act: What does the world’s first law on regulating AI propose?

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Source: The post is based on the article “EU ‘historic’ deal: What does the world’s first law on regulating AI propose?” published in “Indian Express” on 11th December 2023

Why in the News?

European Union (EU) lawmakers have reached a provisional deal on a comprehensive set of rules regulating the use of artificial intelligence (AI).

What is the proposed European Union (EU) Artificial Intelligence Act?

It is the world’s first set of comprehensive law to regulate the use of artificial intelligence (AI).

Aim: To ensure that fundamental rights, democracy, the rule of law and environment are protected from high risk AI while boosting innovation.

Key Provisions of the AI Law:

SpecificationsDetails
Four Levels of Risks1) Unacceptable risk: These are banned. Example- deployment of mass scale facial recognition.
2) High risk: These are allowed but are subject to certification. Example- AI tools for self-driving cars.
3) Medium Risk: They can be deployed without restrictions but require detailed documentation. Example- generative AI chatbots.
4) Minimal risk: There are no restrictions on this. Example- AI powered spam filters and video games.
Biometric SurveillanceGovernments can only use real-time biometric surveillance in public areas only when there are serious threats involved such as terrorist attacks.
Empowering ConsumersConsumers can launch complaints against any perceived violations.
Penalties for Non ComplianceThe fines will be based on a percentage of their global annual turnover or a predetermined amount whichever is higher.
EU AI OfficeThe EU will establish the EU AI Office, tasked with monitoring and fining violators of the law.

How are other countries planning to regulate Artificial Intelligence (AI)?

1) US: Released an AI Bill of Rights and an Executive Order on AI.

2) China: Released its own set of AI regulations.

3) India: India wants to take the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) approach with AI where the underlying technology is sanctioned by the government and is later offered to private entities to develop various use cases.

What is Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)?

Click Here to read

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