The European Union executive body on Wednesday announced proposed measures to govern the use of artificial intelligence, banning its use in areas like surveillance and face recognition that threaten the rights of individuals.
Speaking at a news conference in Brussels, European Commission Executive Vice President and Commissioner for Science and Technology Margrethe Vestager said artificial intelligence can bring benefits in the fields of healthcare, agriculture and engineering.
She said, “I think these examples show very well the role we want AI to play in Europe: a force for progress.”
The regulatory measures address the human and societal risks posed by specific applications of AI such as mass surveillance and biometrics in public places.
The draft EU regulation includes additional provisions for the use of AI in certain risky areas such as choosing schools, employment or applying for loans, while explicitly prohibiting AI from being used in social credit records or systems that manipulate human behavior.
The proposals are the latest move by the EU to assert its position as setting the world standard for technology regulation, overtaking the U.S. and China, two technology powerhouses.
Thierry Breton, the EU’s internal market commissioner, told reporters that Europe will be the first continent to set regulations for the use of artificial intelligence.
The European Commission is continuing to work out the details of the proposal and how it will be approved by EU member states and the European Parliament before implementation.
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