Proposal for a Regulation laying down harmonised rules on Artificial Intelligence (Artificial Intelligence Act) and amending certain Union legislative acts

Summary:

Legislative initiative tabled by the European Commission on 21 April 2021, aimed at addressing the risks of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and positioning the European Union (EU) in a leading role globally.

Further information:

The proposal sets out the first ever legal framework on Artificial Intelligence in the European Union. It establishes rules for the development, placement on the market and use of AI systems in the EU following a proportionate risk-based approach. It proposes a single future-proof definition of AI. It also prohibits certain AI practices perceived as harmful, while specific restrictions and safeguards are proposed in relation to certain uses of remote biometric identification systems. The initiative lays down a risk methodology.

The proposed regulatory framework serves the following objectives:

• Ensure that AI systems placed on the EU market and used are safe and respect existing law on fundamental rights and wider EU values;
• Ensure legal certainty to facilitate investment and innovation in AI;
• Enhance governance and effective enforcement of existing law on fundamental rights and safety requirements applicable to AI systems;
• Facilitate the development of a single markets for lawful, safe and trustworthy AI applications and prevent market fragmentation.

This initiative was tabled by the European Commission on 21 April 2021, as part of a legislative package on Artificial Intelligence (AI) overviewed by the Communication on Fostering a European approach to Artificial Intelligence.

• Primary Source

• Alternative Source

Official

EUR-LEX: SWD(2021)84: Staff Working Document accompanying the Proposal https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=SWD:2021:84:FIN

EUR-LEX: SWD(2021)85: Staff Working Document accompanying the Proposal https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=SWD:2021:85:FIN

European Commission: Press Release, 21/04/2021: Europe fit for the Digital Age: Commission proposes new rules and actions for excellence and trust in Artificial Intelligence https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_21_1682

European Commission: New rules for Artificial Intelligence – Questions and Answers (21 April 2021) https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/QANDA_21_1683

European Commission: Speech by Executive Vice-President Vestager at the press conference on fostering a European approach to Artificial Intelligence (21 April 2021) https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/speech_21_1866

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