European lawmakers on Thursday took a first step towards European Union-wide (EU) regulations on ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence (AI) systems.
The Internal Market Committee and the Civil Liberties Committee of the European Parliament (EP) adopted a draft negotiating mandate on the AI Act with an overwhelming majority. Once approved in plenary, the regulations would be the world’s first rules on AI, the EP said in a press release.
In their amendments to the European Commission’s proposal, members of the EP (MEPs) aimed to ensure that AI systems are overseen by people, are safe, transparent, traceable, non-discriminatory and environmentally friendly.
The EP release explained that the rules are based on a risk-based approach and establish obligations for providers and users alike depending on the level of risk the AI can generate. AI systems with an unacceptable level of risk to people’s safety would be strictly prohibited.
MEPs also expanded the classification of high-risk areas to include harm to people’s health, safety, fundamental rights or the environment.
Before negotiations with the Council of the EU on the final form of the law can begin, this draft negotiating mandate needs to be endorsed by the EP’s plenary session, with the vote expected during the June session.