Members of the European Parliament are pushing to expand the scope of AI regulations, calling for major tech companies like OpenAI and Anthropic to be held accountable for the risks their advanced technologies impose on humanity.
Efforts to Update AI Regulations
This proposal has been put forward by four prominent members of the European Parliament, aiming to add new regulations to the AI Act of 2024. This initiative seeks to ensure that companies are held responsible in case of unintended use of their technologies.
Response to Global Concerns About AI Security
This initiative reflects Brussels' awareness of the reality that the harms caused by AI have become a reality and that its risks are increasing. This is the first serious effort in the European Union to address global concerns about AI security.
Representatives have also urged the European Commission to propose legislation on AI accountability to fill legal gaps regarding such incidents. This issue arises as the harms caused by AI should be compensated easily and at low cost.
Kim van Sparrentak, a Dutch representative and a member of the AI regulations tracking group in Parliament, emphasized the need for an immediate update of the laws, pointing out the rapid pace of technological advancement. She stated, "Europe must be a leader in this area."
This request from members of the European Parliament has received support from various political groups, including the European People's Party and the Socialist and Democrat groups, indicating broad political backing for this initiative.
This week is also seen as a significant milestone in global efforts for AI security. The issue of AI security is currently on the agenda of the UN General Assembly in New York and the G7 Digital Ministers' meeting.
While the current AI law focuses on the safety of products, it does little regarding compensation for damages caused. This law does not include AI models in testing or training phases, which has also fueled existing concerns.
