Share This Article
The EU Parliament has agreed on a new and broader definition of artificial intelligence under the forthcoming AI Act when US officials also call for a regulatory framework.
A definition of artificial intelligence to include generative AI under the EU AI Act
In the race to regulate the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence (AI) market, the European Union (EU) is taking bold steps to create a framework that balances innovation and protection. In a previous article, we discussed the approval by the EU Council of a proposal for the AI Act. Now, the proposal is in the hands of the European Parliament, and EU lawmakers are pushing to define AI more clearly.
But this is easier said than done, as one of the biggest hurdles to regulating AI is the lack of a standard definition. Creating a cohesive regulatory framework is nearly impossible without a shared understanding of what AI is and what it can do. That’s why EU policymakers are now working to settle on a new definition that can provide clarity and consistency.
The new definition would describe AI as
“a machine-based system designed to operate with varying levels of autonomy that can, for explicit or implicit objectives, generate outputs such as predictions, recommendations, or decisions influencing physical or virtual environments.“
The wording has been expanded to remove any reference to “machine-based” systems and includes a measure to ensure that the new definition covers generative AI models like ChatGPT.
But defining AI is just the tip of the iceberg. EU authorities must also agree on various measures to ensure that AI is developed and deployed ethically and responsibly. The AI Act includes proposals for mandatory risk assessments for high-risk AI systems and for creating a certification system to ensure compliance with EU regulations. The Act also proposes the creation of a European AI Board to oversee the development and deployment of AI systems in the EU, ensuring that they adhere to ethical and human rights standards and are free from bias.
The need for swift action is becoming increasingly urgent as the AI market accelerates due to innovations like ChatGPT. With the stakes so high, EU lawmakers are working tirelessly to balance the potential benefits of AI and the risks it poses to privacy, security, and human rights. Ultimately, the EU’s efforts to regulate AI will have a far-reaching impact, shaping how this powerful technology is developed and used worldwide.
