AI Could Face New Curbs in Europe

Lawmakers in Europe reportedly want to give regulators more authority over artificial intelligence (AI) companies.

According to a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report, a group of lawmakers argue in a letter due to be published Monday (April 17) that the fast-paced development of AI recently necessitates new rules for the technology.

It’s a push that is happening on both sides of the Atlantic, as governments and corporations alike grapple with a technology that’s projected to disrupt industries across the planet.

The European lawmakers, working on what they call the AI Act, want to make sure the legislation moves “the development of very powerful artificial intelligence in a direction that is human centric, safe and trustworthy,” the WSJ said, citing a copy of the letter.

“With the rapid evolution of powerful AI, we see the need for significant political attention,” the lawmakers say in the letter.

They go on to write that add that the EU’s pending bill, which could become law later in the year, “could serve as a blueprint for other regulatory initiatives in different regulatory traditions and environments around the world.”

As noted here last week, governments around the world are trying to stay on top of the rapid pace of AI innovation, as more and tools rely on the technology.

Last week saw U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) release framework of rules designed to help the country regulate and shape the AI industry.

“There exists almost no effective current U.S. regulation of the technology, and Schumer is positioning his framework as a critical way for America to take a global leadership role as AI becomes increasingly integrated into daily life,” PYMNTS wrote.

Two days before Schumer released his plan, the White House issued a formal request for comment designed to shape policy recommendations around AI.

That same day, China’s internet regulator released its own set of detailed proposals to keep AI in check, such as mandates that would ensure accuracy and privacy, prevent discrimination and protect intellectual property rights.

However, some observers say any attempt at effective regulation will be a difficulty for policymakers who already find themselves inherently playing catch-up.

“Things are doubling every few weeks, two months,” Patrick Murphy, founder and CEO at construction technology company Togal.AI, told PYMNTS in a recent interview that explored modern advances in generative AI’s commercial applications.