The rules and measures proposed by the commission aim to make Europe the reliable center of artificial intelligence (AI). The combination of the first legal framework on AI and a new one plan coordinated with the Member States it will ensure the security and fundamental rights of citizens and businesses, while giving impetus to the adoption of AI and to investment and innovation in this field across the EU. This approach is accompanied by new ones rules regarding machinery which will adapt the security requirements to foster user confidence in the new and versatile generation of products.
The new AI regulation will ensure that Europeans can rely on everything AI can offer us. A set of proportionate and flexible standards will focus on the specific risks posed by AI systems and set the benchmark for the world. The coordinated plan sets out the changes and investments that need to be made in the Member States to strengthen Europe's leading position in the development of human-centered, sustainable, safe, inclusive and reliable AI.
Four levels of risk
The new rules will be applied directly and in the same way in all Member States, based on a definition of AI adapted for the future. They will have a risk-based approach:
High risk: AI systems considered high risk cover AI technologies that are used to:
- the critical infrastructures (such as transportation) that could endanger the lives and health of citizens;
- la educational or vocational training that it could determine a person’s access to education and career (e.g., exam score);
- els product safety components (such as the application of AI in robot-assisted surgery);
- employment, worker management and access to self-employment (e.g., CV classification software in hiring processes);
- els essential public and private services (such as a credit rating that prevents citizens from obtaining a loan);
- thelaw enforcement that it may affect the fundamental rights of individuals (for example, the assessment of the reliability of the evidence presented);
- la migration, asylum and border control management (such as verifying the authenticity of travel documents);
- theadministration of justice and democratic processes (e.g., law enforcement to a particular set of facts).
Limited risk, that is, AI systems with specific requirements transparència: When using AI systems such as chatbots, users will need to be aware that they are interacting with a machine in order to make an informed decision about whether or not to continue.
Insignificant risk: The legal proposal allows applications such as AI-based video games or spam filters to be used free of charge. The vast majority of AI systems fall into this category. The proposed regulation does not go into this section, as this type of AI system representa an insignificant or zero risk to the rights or safety of citizens.
With regard to governance, the Commission proposes that the national market surveillance authorities monitor the new rules and, on the other hand, the creation of a European Artificial Intelligence Committee it will favor its application and promote the development of reference guidelines for AI. In addition, voluntary codes of conduct have been proposed for AI that do not present a high risk, as well as controlled spaces for testing and encouraging responsible innovation.
El Coordinated AI plan presents some actions aimed at accelerating investments in AI, which can benefit the recovery. It also seeks to promote the implementation of national AI strategies, end fragmentation, and address global challenges.
The updated coordinated plan will use the funding allocated through the programs Digital europe i Horizon Europe, as well as the Recovery and resilience mechanism, which provides for a 20% digital spending target, and cohesion policies with the following objectives:
- create the right conditions for the development and adoption of AI through the exchange of strategic information and data, as well as investment in key IT capabilities;
- foster excellence in AI from the laboratory to the market through the creation of a public-private partnership; the creation and mobilization of research, development and innovation capacities; and the possibility for SMEs and public administrations to use testing and experimentation facilities, as well as digital innovation centers;
- ensure that AI benefits people, be an engine of social welfare, be at the forefront of the development and deployment of reliable AI, foster talent and skills by supporting internships, doctoral networks and postdoctoral fellowships in digital fields, pay attention to confidence in AI and promote the European vision of sustainable and reliable AI worldwide;
- foster strategic leadership in sectors and technologies of great repercussion, such as the environment, paying special attention to the contribution of AI in terms of sustainable production, health through the cross-border exchange of information, the public sector, mobility , home affairs, agriculture and robotics.
You can find out more about artificial intelligence in the EU.
