On May 11, EU legislators will hold a key vote to set rules governing the use of AI – including ChatGPT platforms – inside the European Union. The committees of the European Parliament will lay out their position in advance of negotiations with EU member states with the aim of passing regulations that promote innovation while preventing the misuse of artificial intelligence. The EU wants to set the global standard for regulating this technology, which has recently attracted a lot of interest from the general public and businesses.
This goal’s journey began with a proposal from the European Commission two years ago. By the conclusion of the previous year, EU member states had subsequently established their negotiating position. The European Parliament’s attention to the issue has, however, greatly increased in light of the recent development of AI apps like ChatGPT and Midjourney. Since then, there have been numerous revisions that need to be carefully studied before a decision is made.
Following the committee’s vote on Thursday, the full European Parliament will have the opportunity to express its opinion through a plenary vote, which is scheduled to take place next month. This subsequent vote by the entire Parliament will further shape the decision-making process regarding regulations on AI within the European Union.
According to Brando Benifei, one of the lead MEPs involved in drafting the text to be voted on Thursday, the proposed legislation presents a well-rounded and equitable approach. He believes that the text effectively safeguards individuals while also fostering innovation. This balanced approach aims to strike a harmonious balance between protecting people’s interests and promoting advancements in the field of AI.
Although AI has enormous potential, there are inherent hazards associated with using it as a tool. On the one hand, among other beneficial developments, AI has the ability to transform medical assessments and save lives.
On the other hand, governments can use it to perfect mass monitoring and trample on private rights. The launch of ChatGPT and related technologies at the end of last year created interest and fascination among the general population. Similar to this, AI-powered music streaming services dazzled with their singing prowess. This technology does have a sinister side – AI can be used maliciously, such as to produce compelling fake material to cause misinformation and hatred among communities.