Members' Research Service By / November 18, 2021

Artificial intelligence act [EU Legislation in Progress][Policy Podcast]

AI technologies are expected to bring a wide array of economic and societal benefits to a wide range of sectors, including environment and health, the public sector, finance, mobility, home affairs and agriculture.

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Written by Tambiama Madiega (1st edition).

The European Commission unveiled a new proposal for an EU regulatory framework on artificial intelligence (AI) in April 2021. The draft AI act is the first ever attempt to enact a horizontal regulation of AI. The proposed legal framework focuses on the specific utilisation of AI systems and associated risks. The Commission proposes to establish a technology-neutral definition of AI systems in EU law and to lay down a classification for AI systems with different requirements and obligations tailored on a ‘risk-based approach’. Some AI systems presenting ‘unacceptable’ risks would be prohibited. A wide range of ‘high-risk’ AI systems would be authorised, but subject to a set of requirements and obligations to gain access to the EU market. Those AI systems presenting only ‘limited risk’ would be subject to very light transparency obligations. While generally supporting the Commission’s proposal, stakeholders and experts call for a number of amendments, including revising the definition of AI systems, broadening the list of prohibited AI systems, strengthening enforcement and redress mechanisms and ensuring proper democratic oversight of the design and implementation of EU AI regulation. First edition. The ‘EU Legislation in Progress’ briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

Versions

Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the council laying down harmonised rules on artificial intelligence (artificial intelligence act) and amending certain Union legislative acts
Committee responsible:Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) (provisional)COM(2021)206
21.04.2021
Rapporteur:Brando Benifei (S&D, Italy)2021/0106(COD)
Shadow rapporteurs:Deirdre Clune (EPP, Ireland)
Svenja Hahn, (Renew, Germany)
Kim Van Sparrentak (Greens/EFA, the Netherlands)
Kosma Zlotowski, (ECR, Poland)
Kateřina Konecna (The Left, Czechia)
Ordinary legislative procedure (COD)
(Parliament and Council on equal footing – formerly ‘co-decision’)
Next steps expected: Publication of draft report

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