European Parliament approves Artificial Intelligence Act in a world first

During its Strasbourg plenary session on Wednesday (14 June), the European Parliament has approved the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act, a piece of pioneering legislation aimed at ensuring compliance of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies with EU laws and values.

The regulation seeks to address issues related to digital discrimination, disinformation, and the misuse of so-called "deep fakes". The vote, with 499 in favour, 28 against, and 93 abstentions, paves the way for further negotiations with member countries and the EU Commission, with trilogue discussions scheduled to commence imminently.

One aspect of the AI Act is the European Parliament's endorsement of a complete ban on real-time AI biometric recognition technologies in public spaces. Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, expressed her satisfaction with the outcome, asserting that the EU had achieved a well-balanced approach that prioritises the interests of individuals. She said that the legislation would set a global standard for years to come, adding that they had "made history".

The approval of the AI Act marks the first time that a law regulating AI has been passed by any major regulator, addressing potential risks and ensuring the protection of citizens' rights. According to the EU, they aim to create a framework that safeguards fundamental values and guarantees the responsible development and deployment of AI systems within its jurisdiction.

source: commonspace.eu with agencies
photo: European Parliamentary Research Service

 

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan hold important trilateral meeting

Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan hold important trilateral meeting

Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan held important trilateral meetings in the Turkmen city of Turkmenbashi on Friday, 22 August. Joint development of deposits on the Caspian shelf and cooperation in the field of energy exports, including renewable sources, were discussed. The talks came in the framework of the visit to Turkmenistan of President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and President Shovkat Mirzizoyev of  Uzbekistan who were hosted by the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty (Senate) of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who is a former president and the father of the current president, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Azerbaijani media noted that during the meeting Uzbekistan hailed a scheme to export green electricity to Europe as promising, while Turkmen officials signaled a new openness to ideas long discussed in Brussels and Ankara, to build a Trans-Caspian gas pipeline, a project that has been under discussion for more than 30 years.

Popular

Editor's choice
News
Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan hold important trilateral meeting

Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan hold important trilateral meeting

Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan held important trilateral meetings in the Turkmen city of Turkmenbashi on Friday, 22 August. Joint development of deposits on the Caspian shelf and cooperation in the field of energy exports, including renewable sources, were discussed. The talks came in the framework of the visit to Turkmenistan of President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and President Shovkat Mirzizoyev of  Uzbekistan who were hosted by the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty (Senate) of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who is a former president and the father of the current president, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Azerbaijani media noted that during the meeting Uzbekistan hailed a scheme to export green electricity to Europe as promising, while Turkmen officials signaled a new openness to ideas long discussed in Brussels and Ankara, to build a Trans-Caspian gas pipeline, a project that has been under discussion for more than 30 years.