Set to define the regulatory landscape for artificial intelligence (AI) in the UK, a significant EU law is on the brink of adoption after receiving approval from the European Parliament. The recently endorsed AI Act presents a comprehensive framework aimed at governing the use of AI technology, with a clear emphasis on mitigating associated risks. The resounding support for the act, evidenced by a decisive vote of 523 to 46, underscores its significance in the evolving landscape of AI governance.
The AI Act introduces a tiered approach to regulation, categorizing AI applications based on their perceived risks and impacts. Notably, the legislation identifies specific uses of AI technology that will be prohibited, such as biometric categorization systems relying on sensitive attributes and indiscriminate scraping of facial images from various sources. Furthermore, activities like emotion recognition in workplaces and schools, social scoring, and AI-driven manipulation of human behavior are slated for outright prohibition, reflecting a commitment to safeguarding against potential exploitation and discriminatory practices.
In addition to imposing bans, the AI Act imposes robust regulatory measures on high-risk AI systems operating within critical sectors like infrastructure, education, employment, and law enforcement. Operators of such systems will be required to undertake comprehensive risk assessments, maintain transparent records, ensure human oversight, and establish mechanisms for addressing citizen complaints. This multifaceted approach seeks to foster accountability, transparency, and responsible deployment of AI technology in alignment with societal values and expectations.
Source: EU AI Act endorsed by European parliament | Law Gazette
