The EU’s proposed Artificial Intelligence Act is making waves as leaked versions of the consolidated text circulate online. This unprecedented incident has given the public a substantial glimpse into the intricacies of the proposed legislation. Sources claim the draft discusses future AI regulations and the EU’s strategic framework to boost AI startups. In this article, we delve into the leaked text, providing insights into key dates and governance highlights.
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Countdown to Compliance Begins
The leaked 892-page draft reveals a meticulous comparison of the European Commission’s proposal with the mandates of the European Parliament and Council. The document, available ahead of the Telecom Working Party meeting on Wednesday, suggests a tight timeline for businesses to comply. Analysts predict final reviews and approval by the Council and Parliament could be achieved by April, urging businesses, especially high-risk system providers, to prepare within the next 6 to 12 months.
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Addressing Contentious Issues in AI Act
Facial recognition surveillance remains a contentious issue within the AI Act negotiations. The leaked document outlines prohibitions on real-time remote biometric identification in public spaces for law enforcement, with exceptions only in specific, narrowly defined situations. Stakeholders emphasized the need for ethical considerations, fundamental rights impact assessments, and judicial authorization for law enforcement use.
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EU Commission’s Innovation Strategy
An early draft seen by Euractiv unveils the EU Commission’s strategy to boost AI startups and generative AI adoption. Central to this strategy is ‘AI Factories,’ envisioned as open ecosystems around European public supercomputers. The document outlines plans to amend the EuroHPC JU legal basis, providing supercomputing service infrastructure for training large-scale models. Additionally, the GenAI4EU initiative aims to connect AI startups with traditional industries for strategic applications.
Open-Source AI Exemptions
A groundbreaking aspect revealed in the leaked text is the EU’s recognition of open-source AI. The proposed AI Act suggests exemptions for third parties offering AI tools under a free and open license. This move acknowledges the importance of foundational models and encourages standardized documentation practices, fostering a conducive environment for trustworthy AI development within the EU.
Our Say
As the leaked EU AI Act draft unravels, it’s clear that the legislation marks a significant shift in the regulatory landscape. The EU’s proactive approach emphasizes a balance between innovation, ethical compliance, and data protection. Businesses, especially those in the AI sector, need to prepare for the upcoming regulations, ensuring they align with the proposed timelines. The leaked insights hint at the EU’s commitment to fostering a responsible and innovative AI ecosystem.
The leaked EU AI Act draft brings both challenges and opportunities. While it signals a promising future for open-source AI, the EU must navigate the complexities of AI regulation with care. The final decision, set to take place in early February, will undoubtedly shape the future of AI development and deployment in Europe.
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Sabreena Basheer is an architect-turned-writer who's passionate about documenting anything that interests her. She's currently exploring the world of AI and Data Science as a Content Manager at Analytics Vidhya.
