With the drafting of the AI law, the European Union has created a specific legal framework for the development and use of artificial intelligence tools. The new regulation, whose final application is expected by 2026, underlines the region's commitment to promoting innovation while safeguarding digital security and data protection.
One of the areas covered by the regulation is generative AI, which is characterized by its ability to create new content from existing data. The EU's legislative approach is ambitious and aims to strike a balance between the use of this technology and mitigating the risks associated with its use.
Generative AI under the scrutiny of the regulation
As already mentioned, one of the EU's objectives is to create uniform legislation for generative artificial intelligence. This applies in particular to content created with this technology, which is based on user-generated data and sometimes also on works by artists that are protected by intellectual property laws.
The EU has prioritized the concept of responsibility based on this ability to create content based on data provided. It is crucial to clearly define who is responsible for the harm caused when such content violates data protection or intellectual property law, whether it is the developing company that allows it or the user who uses this technology to create it.
However, content creation is not the only concern of the legal framework. The second difficulty for European policymakers is data protection, as artificial intelligence models require a lot of personal data to function properly. The legislation therefore aims to ensure that AI complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and meets established cybersecurity standards to address potential vulnerabilities in these systems.
Practical implications of the legislation and use cases
The EU legal framework for generative AI has far-reaching implications for various sectors such as healthcare, entertainment and finance.
In healthcare, generative AI can revolutionize drug discovery and patient care by analyzing large data sets to identify treatment options. However, these applications must take patient data protection and privacy into account.
In the entertainment industry, generative AI has the potential to transform content creation by providing artists and creators with new tools. The aim is for these tools to help artists create their works.
The financial sector can also benefit from generative AI by using this technology for fraud detection or personalized financial advice. The legal framework ensures that these innovations are developed and used safely, with robust measures to protect financial data and consumer privacy.
Towards a secure and innovative future
The EU regulatory framework for generative AI is an important step towards a future where this technology is regulated like any other. By addressing the complex issues, the EU can create an innovative environment while protecting the rights and safety of its citizens.
This legislative approach highlights the EU's role as one of the world's technological powers and a leader in responsible technological regulation. This framework will serve as a benchmark to address the challenges and opportunities of AI as it evolves.
