The U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is developing a plan for federal engagement in the development of AI technical standards and related tools. This is in response to President Trump's Executive Order on Maintaining American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence. Click here to watch the video.

"Artificial intelligence" can be defined as the theory and development of computer systems able to perform tasks that normally require human intervention. Artificial intelligence (AI) is being used in new products and services across numerous industries and for a variety of policy-related purposes, raising questions about the resulting legal implications, including its effect on individual privacy. Aspects of AI related to privacy concerns are the ability of systems to make decisions and to learn by adjusting their code in response to inputs received over time, using large volumes of data. Following the European Commission's declaration on AI in April 2018, its High-Level Expert Group on Artificial Intelligence (AI HLEG) published Draft Ethics Guidelines for Trustworthy AI in December 2018. A consultation process regarding this working document concluded on February 1, 2019, and a revised draft of the document based on the comments that were received is expected to be delivered to the European Commission in April 2019.

There has been a huge resurgence of interest in Artificial Intelligence – but what does this mean for the law?

On 25 April 2018, a new Communication was published that sets out the European Commission's (EC's) new strategy to boost Europe's artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and related industries, while at the same time preparing for socioeconomic changes emanating from these emerging technologies. The Communication also poses questions as to whether – and, if so, where and how – the European legal and ethical framework needs to be adapted due to the advent of AI. The EC refers to AI as "systems that show intelligent behaviour by analysing their environment, and performing various tasks with some degree of autonomy to achieve specific goals."1 European leaders are considering AI as a top priority. On 10 April, 24 member states2 and Norway co-signed a Declaration which commits them to working together on AI.

Last week, the European Commission published an important paper on artificial intelligence and robotics. Its communication on "Artificial Intelligence for Europe", released on 25 April 2018, describes AI technologies as being as transformative as the steam engine or electricity. They will, it is said, help solve some of the world's biggest problems, from chronic disease, to climate change, to cybersecurity threats. The communication sets out three pillars of a proposed integrated approach to AI across Europe: keeping ahead of technological developments and encouraging uptake of AI by the public and private sectors; preparing for the socio-economic changes brought about by AI; and ensuring an appropriate ethical and legal framework. As a starter, the EU has announced additional funding for AI-related projects via its Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, with up to €500 million extra available each year between now and 2020. These funds can be bid for by both the private and public sector.