EU Adopts Landmark AI Regulation

The European Union Parliament approved the world’s first comprehensive set of rules governing AI activities.

A preliminary political consensus was reached in early December. On March 13, the law was ratified in a parliamentary session.

The votes were as follows:

• In favor — 523; 
• Against — 46; 
• Abstentions — 49.

?? Democracy: 1️⃣ | Lobby: 0️⃣

I welcome the overwhelming support from European Parliament for our #AIAct —the world’s 1st comprehensive, binding rules for trusted AI.

Europe is NOW a global standard-setter in AI.

We are regulating as little as possible — but as much as needed! pic.twitter.com/t4ahAwkaSn

— Thierry Breton (@ThierryBreton) March 13, 2024

“Europe is now a global leader in AI,” wrote European Commissioner for Internal Market Thierry Breton on his X page.

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola described the law as groundbreaking, stating it would foster innovation and protect fundamental rights.

Promised. Negotiated. Approved.

Proud of Europe’s trailblazing #AIAct.

It means leadership, innovation & new avenues. But equally respect for fundamental rights.

Artificial intelligence is already very much part of our daily lives. Now, it will be part of our legislation too. pic.twitter.com/dUu3IUa1lT

— Roberta Metsola (@EP_President) March 13, 2024

“Artificial intelligence is already an integral part of our daily lives. And now it will become part of our legislation,” she stated.

Adopted in 2021, the EU AI Act categorizes projects by risk levels, ranging from “unacceptable,” where the technology will be banned, to high, medium, and low levels of risk.

The law is expected to come into effect in May, following final review and approval by the European Council. Implementation will be phased in starting in 2025.

Some EU countries had previously advocated for self-regulation rather than state-imposed restrictions, fearing bureaucracy might hinder Europe’s ability to compete with Chinese and American tech firms. Opponents included Germany and France, home to some promising European AI startups. Earlier in March 2024, the UK and France announced a collaboration in the field of artificial intelligence.