The European Union is advancing its regulatory framework for artificial intelligence (AI) with the approval of the EU AI Act by the European Council on May 21, 2024. This comprehensive legislation sets prescriptive, risk-based rules through a common framework for the use and supply of AI systems within the EU. The Act will be published in the Official EU Journal shortly and will come into force 20 days after publication. High-risk systems will have 36 months to comply.
To ensure proper enforcement, several governing bodies will be established, including an AI Office within the European Commission (EC), a scientific panel of independent experts, an AI Board with representatives from member states, and an advisory forum for stakeholders. The Act applies to both providers and deployers of AI systems that pose risks and considers systemic risks from general-purpose AI models.
In parallel, another significant regulation, the Digital Services Act, became fully applicable on February 17, 2024. On May 17, 2024, the EC issued a legally binding request for information to Microsoft regarding potential breaches of this act by Bing's generative AI features. Microsoft has until May 27 to respond.
The EU’s approach contrasts with that of the US, which appears less consistent across different states and agencies. However, US-EU cooperation aims to minimize divergence in emerging AI governance systems through initiatives like the Joint Roadmap on Evaluation and Measurement Tools for Trustworthy AI and Risk Management. An updated AI Taxonomy and Terminology was also released with mutually accepted definitions.
Additionally, a Quantum Task Force has been established to address open questions on science and technology cooperation in quantum technologies.
With these regulations and enforcement mechanisms, the EU is positioning itself as a global leader in AI system regulation.
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