EU AI Act Faces Resistance Over Regulation of Foundation Models

The European Union's AI Act is encountering challenges as lobbyists seek to eliminate proposed regulations for robust AI systems, specifically foundation models. Concerns have been raised by AI experts and the public, leading to an open letter urging European governments to regulate AI rather than allowing self-regulation by companies. The EU is set to finalize its flagship bill to regulate AI on December 6, but disagreements over the regulation of foundation models are hindering progress.

Key Developments:

  • Open Letter Urging Regulation:

    • Atomico, a European science media and democracy NGO, has issued an open letter to French President Emmanuel Macron, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The letter expresses concerns about the EU AI Act being undermined by lobbying efforts favouring self-regulation by AI companies.

  • Threat to Regulation Approval:

    • The letter highlights that the pushback from certain governments advocating for regulation by AI companies is jeopardizing the approval of the AI Act. The delay is attributed to disagreements over the regulation of foundation models of powerful AI systems like ChatGPT and Bard.

  • Risk to Human Rights:

    • The letter argues that allowing companies to self-regulate poses a risk to human rights, as they may prioritize profits over public safety and ethical considerations. Regulation by external authorities is deemed essential to ensure responsible and ethical use of powerful AI models.

  • Public Support for Regulation:

    • A European poll by Control AI, published by YouGov, indicates that more than two-thirds of European citizens support the regulation of foundation models. Over 80% of respondents in France, Germany, Italy, and Spain express the desire for legal liability for damages imposed on companies creating AI models.

  • Dispute Over Binding Rules:

    • Negotiations within the trilogies aimed to reach a consensus were paused in November. France, supported by Germany and Italy, opposed binding rules for foundation models. This disagreement has become a focal point of contention in the discussions.

  • Spain's Role in Negotiations:

    • Holding the EU presidency and negotiating on behalf of EU countries, Spain is seeking a revised mandate for the AI Act. The mandate includes discussions on foundation models and is expected to be critical to the ongoing negotiations.

Summary:

The resistance to regulating foundation models within the EU AI Act reflects a broader debate on balancing innovation and oversight in the AI landscape. The outcome of these negotiations will shape the regulatory framework for powerful AI systems in the European Union and may have implications for global AI governance. Concerns voiced by professionals and members of the general public highlight the necessity of intelligent and thorough regulations on the ethical and societal consequences of advanced artificial intelligence technologies.

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