Commission yearns for setting the global standard on artificial intelligence

The European Commission believes that its proposed Artificial Intelligence Act should become the global standard if it is to be fully effective. The upcoming AI treaty that is being drafted by the Council of Europe might help the EU achieve just that. In April the European Commission launched its proposal for an Artificial Intelligence Act (AIA). Structured around a risk-based approach, the regulation introduces tighter obligations in proportion to the potential impact of AI applications. Commissioner Thierry Breton argued that "one should not underestimate the advantage of the EU being the first mover" and emphasised that the EU is the main "pacemaker" in regulating the use of AI on a global scale. In a similar vein, the Commission's director-general for communications networks, content and technology, Roberto Viola said that "equilibrium is key to have a horizontal risk-based approach in which many voices are heard to avoid extremism and create rules that last.