In recent months, the explosive growth and increasing use of generative AI technologies, such as ChatGPT, have led European lawmakers to reevaluate their plans for regulating artificial intelligence. While the EU’s original proposal for the AI Act only briefly mentioned chatbots and AI-generated content, the new draft legislation released in April now includes a focus on copyright protection as a way to control AI’s impact. This shift in focus shows how quickly regulators are trying to catch up with the rapid pace of development in the AI industry.
The draft bill is not yet final, and legal experts predict that it could take several years before it is implemented. However, the fact that EU lawmakers were able to come to a consensus so quickly is noteworthy, given the often-criticized slow pace of decision-making in Brussels. This quick action demonstrates the urgency of addressing the potential risks and benefits of AI technology.
The popularity of generative AI applications, such as ChatGPT, has also raised concerns among industry leaders and experts. EU industry chief Thierry Breton and others have called for regulation of these services, while Elon Musk-backed organizations have issued warnings about the existential risks posed by AI. In response, a dozen MEPs who drafted the legislation released an open letter in April that agreed with some of Musk’s concerns and urged world leaders to hold a summit to discuss ways to control the development of advanced AI.
Overall, the EU’s efforts to regulate generative AI demonstrate the growing awareness of the potential risks and benefits of this technology. While the proposed legislation is still in its early stages, it represents a significant step towards creating a framework for the responsible development and use of AI in Europe.
