EU Accelerates Enactment of 'Tough' AI Regulation Law Within the Year
"Must Not Drive Out Before Growing Business"
As the European Union (EU) accelerates the process to finalize the world's first artificial intelligence (AI) regulatory law within this year, global companies such as Google and Apple, along with digital associations within Europe, sent a letter to the EU on the 23rd (local time) stating that "there should be no excessive regulation."
According to major foreign media, global companies including Google, Apple, Ericsson, Airbus, LSE, SAP, and 32 digital-related associations within Europe emphasized in the letter that "for Europe to become a global digital powerhouse, companies capable of leading AI innovation by utilizing AI-based models and General Purpose Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) are necessary."
They explained, "As representatives of Europe's digital industry, we witness tremendous opportunities in foundational models, and there are emerging innovative players in this industry, many of whom are coming from here in Europe." They added, "Let us not introduce regulations that drive them away before they have the chance to scale their businesses."
They also pointed out that the EU's broad AI regulatory draft could conflict with other laws covering specific fields such as healthcare, and that it already includes content related to comprehensive copyright protection laws currently enforced by the EU regarding copyright issues.
The companies and associations expressed support for recent statements by Germany, France, and Italy regarding the EU's AI regulatory law, emphasizing that "the regulation should only govern the application of AI, not the technology itself," and that regulation should be limited to creating transparency requirements for AI models.
The EU has been pushing for stringent AI regulations, considering the United States' failure to regulate big tech. The EU aims to complete the legislative process within this year and apply the law starting in 2026. The negotiation deadline is June 6th.
The EU is emphasizing the need for strong regulation in light of the recent dismissal of OpenAI's CEO.
Brando Benifei, a Member of the European Parliament leading the EU's AI regulatory negotiations, said, "This shows that the governance of these companies is neither trustworthy nor predictable," adding, "It has become clear that we cannot rely on these companies' visionary CEOs or ambassadors, and that regulation is necessary."
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