Regulating Artificial Intelligence | Express Tribune

The European Union’s landmark artificial intelligence (AI) legislation will come into force next month after EU countries endorsed a political agreement reached in December. This Artificial Intelligence Act aims to establish a global benchmark for regulating technology that is quickly becoming an integral part of business and everyday life. Unlike the United States’ lax approach to voluntary compliance or the state-controlled legal framework aimed at maintaining social stability in China, the EU’s comprehensive legislation aims to ensure not only accountability but also the ethical use of AI.

The Artificial Intelligence Act, first drafted by the European Commission in 2021 and refined by EU lawmakers over the past two years, introduces stringent transparency obligations for high-risk artificial intelligence systems. This includes applications of AI in critical sectors such as healthcare, transportation and law enforcement, where the risk of harm is significant if these systems malfunction or are misused. The consequences of this legislation reach far beyond the 27-member European bloc. As the EU takes a leading position in AI regulation, other countries and regions can use its framework as a model. For Pakistan, the balanced approach to regulation outlined in the Artificial Intelligence Act could serve as a sustainable model. Implementing a multi-level regulatory framework that imposes stricter oversight on AI applications while encouraging innovation in less sensitive areas could help Pakistan strike a balance between protecting public interests and promoting technological progress.

The global technology industry, often criticized for a lack of regulation and ethical oversight, could be influenced by the EU’s pioneering approach, resulting in a shift towards more responsible and transparent development and deployment of artificial intelligence. However, while the new rules are a step forward, the real test will be their implementation. Effective enforcement will be key to ensuring that AI developers and users adhere to established standards.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 26^vol2024.

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