The EU’s AI Act, Explained | WSJ Tech News Briefing
Introduction
The host introduces the topic of AI regulation in Europe and previews the conversation with WSJ's Brussels-based reporter Kim McCraille.
European Union's Parliament Draft Legislation on AI Regulation
- The European Union's Parliament has voted to push forward draft legislation called the AI act, which is positioned to be the West's first comprehensive set of AI regulations.
- The goal of these regulations is to put guard rails around the development and use of AI, especially for high-risk applications such as facial recognition tools, predictive policing, and real-time biometrics surveillance in public places.
- Lawmakers are aiming to set up some guard rails around high-risk applications and look at bands.
Impact of Generative AI on Regulations
- Generative AI has taken off since the rules were first proposed in 2021.
- Parliament has added new elements to the legislation that they want to see in the final version including a requirement to design AI models to prevent them from creating illegal content.
- Another rule that they've looked at inserting is making companies publish summaries of copyrighted data used to train models.
Industry Reaction
- There have been some calls from industry itself for rules around the use of AI but at the same time some tech company lobbyists have said that parliament's version goes too far.
- Some tech company lobbyists think that some parts are too prescriptive and could hinder innovation.
Legislative Process
- Representatives from EU member states will get together in a room and hash out what the final shape of legislation should be.
- They're hoping to finish it by the end of this year.
Conclusion
The host concludes the conversation with WSJ's Brussels-based reporter Kim McCraille and thanks her for joining.