Community news|27/03/24

Artificial intelligence: MEPs adopt “historic” law

Home > The news of EUROGIP and occupational risks in Europe > Artificial intelligence: MEPs adopt “historic” law

On 13 March, the European Parliament adopted by a very large majority the world’s first “binding” regulation on artificial intelligence, based on the draft presented by the European Commission in April 2021. The Council must now formally adopt it.

“This text aims to protect fundamental rights, democracy, the rule of law and environmental sustainability from the risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI), while fostering innovation and making Europe a leading player in this field. The regulation sets out obligations for AI systems based on their potential risks and level of impact”.

The legislation provides for a two-tier approach. AI models for “general use” will have to comply with transparency obligations as well as European copyright rules. Systems considered “high risk”, such as those used in critical infrastructure, education, human resources or law enforcement, will be subject to stricter requirements. For example, they will have to include a mandatory fundamental rights impact assessment.

The Regulation will enter into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal and will be fully applicable 24 months after its entry into force, with the exception of the prohibition of prohibited practices, which will apply 6 months after entry into force, the codes of conduct (9 months after entry into force), the rules on general purpose AI, in particular governance (12 months after entry into force) and the obligations for high-risk systems (36 months).

EUROGIP will have the opportunity to return to this text and in particular to its implications for occupational health and safety.

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