EU Passes World’s First AI Regulation

Author: Pradhnya Anindya Dewanti
March 15, 2024

European Parliament. Photo: AP

SEAToday.com, Strasbourg - The European Union’s (EU) parliament on Wednesday (3/13) approved the world's first major act to regulate artificial intelligence (AI).

The AI law sets a comprehensive framework to regulate the use of AI on a risk-based approach. It divides the AI products or services into categories ranging from low risk to “unacceptable risk”. The riskier it is, the more monitoring it is under. The law also regulates generative AI models, one of which requires AI-generated pictures, video, or audio of existing people, places, or events to be labeled as artificially manipulated.

According to the lawmaker, Dragos Tudorache, the act has nudged AI to a “human-centric” direction. It puts humans in control of the technology that could help with new discoveries, societal progress, and many others.

The act passed with an overwhelming vote of 523-46 with 49 abstention. It is set to take effect in May 2024.