Why new EU rules around artificial intelligence are vital to the development of the sector

European Union (EU) lawmakers have introduced new rules that will shape how companies use artificial intelligence (AI). The rules are the first of their kind to introduce regulation to the sector, and the EU's approach is unique in the world. In the US, tech firms are largely left to themselves, while in China, AI innovation is often government-led and used regularly to monitor citizens without too much hindrance from regulators. The EU bloc, however, is taking an approach that aims to maximise the potential of AI while maintaining privacy laws. There are new regulations around cases that are perceived as endangering people's safety or fundamental rights, such as AI-enabled behaviour manipulation techniques.