Today, 13th of March 2024, the European Parliament has approved the Artificial Intelligence Act. This marks a significant milestone in regulating AI technologies while prioritizing fundamental rights and innovation. With overwhelming support from MEPs, the Act aims to safeguard democracy, the rule of law, and environmental sustainability, positioning Europe as a leader in AI development. Notable provisions include bans on AI applications threatening citizens’ rights, such as biometric categorization and facial recognition databases created from untargeted scraping of online or CCTV footage. Additionally, measures are in place to regulate high-risk AI systems, ensuring transparency, risk assessment, and human oversight.

Law enforcement use of biometric identification systems is restricted, except in specific situations with strict safeguards, such as targeted searches for missing persons or preventing terrorist activities. High-risk AI systems, affecting areas like critical infrastructure and public services, will be subject to clear obligations, including risk assessment, transparency, and the right for citizens to lodge complaints. Transparency requirements for general-purpose AI models and regulations on deepfakes aim to enhance accountability and trust in AI technologies.

The Act also includes measures to support innovation and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), such as regulatory sandboxes and real-world testing. Despite the progress made, further work is necessary to address broader societal impacts of AI, including its implications on democracy, education, labor markets, and warfare. The Act, shaped by citizen proposals, underscores the EU’s commitment to promoting a safe, trustworthy, and inclusive digital society while ensuring human values remain at the forefront of AI development.

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