What Europe’s AI regulation moment will mean for the world

The European Union’s artificial-intelligence law has some predicting a spate of Brussels copycats. Close, but not quite.

    • Over two years since it was first proposed, Europe's AI Act is locked in negotiations within the EU.
    • Over two years since it was first proposed, Europe's AI Act is locked in negotiations within the EU. PHOTO: REUTERS
    Published Wed, Aug 2, 2023 · 06:30 PM

    “IT IS the AI moment.”

    So went the declaration from International Telecommunications Union secretary-general Doreen Bodgan-Martin at the conclusion of a United Nations summit in Geneva on Jul 7. At a historic UN Security Council meeting 11 days later, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres agreed. So did nations and regulators.

    A desire has emerged from powerful quarters to protect citizens from the potential harms of artificial intelligence – issues that are known (discrimination, privacy violations, copyright theft) and those which are not. Yet.