European Parliament Announces Groundbreaking Regulation on Artificial Intelligence

Republished with full copyright permissions from The Boston News Tribune.

The European Parliament’s groundbreaking regulation on Artificial Intelligence (AI), set for adoption at today’s plenary vote, marks a significant milestone in the ongoing dialogue surrounding the ethical and practical implications of AI integration.

The widespread integration of AI into everyday life has spurred both intrigue and apprehension regarding its impact on ethics, data privacy, and employment. Today’s development represents a major step forward in ensuring that the rights of individuals are protected regardless of the evolving landscape of AI technology.

Brando Benifei, S&D MEP and European Parliament co-rapporteur on the Artificial Intelligence Act, stated, “After two years of intense work, we finally have the world’s first-ever regulation on Artificial Intelligence.” In each stage of negotiation, the Socialists and Democrats have steadfastly advocated for robust protection of fundamental rights, delivering on their promise to safeguard these rights in the face of advancing technology.

This regulation represents a significant victory, encompassing provisions that prevent AI systems from predicting criminal behavior, inferring personal details from biometric data, and recognizing emotions in sensitive contexts. Additionally, worker and union rights are upheld through measures to inform them of AI usage and to clearly designate content generated by AI.

Petar Vitanov, S&D MEP and committee on civil liberties, justice and home affairs shadow rapporteur on the Artificial Intelligence Act, emphasized that technical progress should never come at the expense of fundamental rights. The comprehensive regulation addresses the demand for protecting Europeans against the risky or unethical application of digital technologies, including AI.

In the face of industry pressure and lobbying, the Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament have stood firm to uphold individuals’ fundamental rights, effectively addressing the inherent risks of AI systems.

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