First law of its kind
EU states ban some AI applications
May 21, 2024, 12:17 p.m
China uses artificial intelligence to evaluate the social behavior of its citizens. Such “social scoring” should not exist in Europe. The EU countries are now deciding on this and many other rules. It is said to be the first law of its kind in the world. But can it keep up with technology?
The EU states have decided on stricter rules for artificial intelligence (AI) in the European Union. In Brussels, they approved the plans, which, among other things, will ban certain AI applications altogether, the countries announced. It is the first law of its kind in the world and could set a global standard for the regulation of AI.
The law aims to make the use of AI safer in the European Union. It is intended to ensure that AI systems are as transparent, comprehensible, non-discriminatory and environmentally friendly as possible. An important aspect is that the AI systems are monitored by people and not just by other technologies.
The plans go back to a proposal from the EU Commission in 2021. Systems that are considered particularly risky and are used, for example, in critical infrastructure or in education and healthcare will have to meet strict requirements in the future. Certain AI applications that violate EU values should be banned entirely. This includes the evaluation of social behavior (“social scoring”). In China, citizens are divided into behavioral categories. There should also be no emotion recognition in the workplace or in educational institutions in the EU.
“Regulatory work is just beginning now”
Facial recognition in public spaces – for example through video surveillance in public places – should generally not be permitted. However, there are exceptions: Police and other security authorities should be allowed to use such facial recognition in public spaces to prosecute certain crimes such as human trafficking or terrorism.
The law applies to anyone who develops, offers or uses AI systems within the EU. This affects public and private actors both inside and outside the EU.
The digital association Bitkom criticized the fact that the AI law that has now been passed leaves important questions unanswered. In Germany and the other EU countries, the regulatory work is only now beginning, said association president Ralf Wintergerst. Whether AI receives a boost in Germany and Europe or, above all, is faced with new obstacles depends crucially on how this framework is designed and the regulations are implemented in Germany.
Wissing: We have to continually readjust
Federal Digital Minister Volker Wissing admitted that the legislature is constantly challenged with a technology as rapidly changing as AI. “We cannot expect that we will finally clarify future questions with regulation,” said the FDP politician. “That’s why I’ve always been in favor of us getting on the path to regulation quickly, but also having the courage to continually make adjustments.” It is important that the innovation-friendliness of the regulation is always kept in mind.
Once confirmed by EU countries, the new rules will be published in the Official Journal and will come into force 20 days later. They should then apply two years after they come into force. If companies do not comply with the rules, member states must decide on sanctions. These can include fines. Private individuals who discover violations of the rules can complain to national authorities. They can then initiate monitoring procedures and, if necessary, impose penalties.