The EU's AI Act Will Shape the Future of AI
The EU AI Act will have significant impacts on the development and use of AI, including generative AI, in Europe over the next 12-24 months. Although details are still being finalized, it aims to address risks while enabling innovation.
Summary
- The EU AI Act has been in development over 4+ years, initially focused on narrow AI.
- The rise of generative AI like ChatGPT almost derailed it as policymakers debated expanding scope.
- They ultimately expanded it to address generative AI while keeping original focus areas.
- It sets framework for transparency, accountability, but many technical details still to be defined.
- Next phase will see more industry-specific guidelines and integration with existing regulations.
- Businesses need to urgently review their AI aspirations and compliance readiness as enforcement looms in 12-24 months.
- Open questions remain around involvement of open-source developers in shaping restrictions.
- 2024 will see hype give way to reality checks on AI capabilities as restrictions take effect.