The European Union embraces AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly present in our lives and therefore it is worth asking some questions about it from a political and economic level. From how to regulate its use to thinking about how to be one of the leading powers in its research and production, these can be key questions that countries ask themselves. This is the case of the European Union, which is fighting to become the world power in artificial intelligence compared to the US and China.

To achieve this, large databases are being created available to European companies and investing more than 20 billion a year for European developers, keeping in mind the creation of millions of jobs in the next 5 years focused on AI. But, all these activities should be carried out under an adequate legal framework that establishes joint action by European countries regarding the advancement of the implementation of artificial intelligence technology.

European Union Definition of AI

The European Union has perceived the importance, need and potential of artificial intelligence in our societies and economies. In fact, "a clear and predictable legal framework that deals with difficult technological aspects is needed" as stated by the European Commission. To ask ourselves these questions, it is essential to know how we would define what is meant by AI, or in this case, what the EU understands by artificial intelligence:

The term "artificial intelligence" (AI) is applied to systems that exhibit intelligent behavior, as they are capable of analyzing their environment and taking action – with a certain degree of autonomy – in order to achieve specific objectives.

European Commission. COM/2018/237 final, Brussels, 25.4.2018

Different types of Artificial Intelligence

The EU also distinguishes two types of artificial intelligence:

1. Software AI They are virtual assistants, image analysis software, search engines, voice and face recognition systems.
2. Integrated AI They are AIs related to the Internet of Things such as “robots, drones, autonomous vehicles.”

Risk levels established by the EU

The European Union has established four risk levels into which the dangerousness of artificial intelligence can be classified. Whether an AI is at a higher or lower level depends on whether the technology developed is under human control, impartial, transparent, ethical and safe.

The four levels of risk

1. Minimal risk. Therefore, artificial intelligence is of minimal risk if it does not present any danger to the security and rights of citizens.
2. Reduced risk. A low-risk AI is one that requires a little interaction like chatbots and only has slight autonomy.
3. High risk. On the other hand, if an AI is high risk, it affects fields such as education, critical structures, application of legislation, migrations, security, etc.
4. Unacceptable or unaffordable risk. And therefore, an AI would be unacceptable if it poses a great risk to citizens.

European AI legislation

Documents to take into account when talking about artificial intelligence in the European Union are:

• Report on the Security and Civil Liability Impacts of Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things and Robotics. European Commission 04/25/2018.
• WHITE PAPER on artificial intelligence – a European approach aimed at excellence and trust. European Commission 02/19/2020.
• Coordinated Plan in Artificial Intelligence 2021 Review and Proposal for harmonized regulation of Artificial Intelligence European Commission 04/21/2021.

The Coordinated Plan focuses on establishing a series of general objectives that, in general, could be summarized in four points:

1. Establish favorable conditions for the development and use of AI
2. Create strategic leadership in high-impact sectors
3. Making the EU the right place for AI to thrive
4. Ensuring AI technologies work for people

Future challenges

AI is here to stay. Both the investments made within the framework of New Horizons 2020 and the Next Generation Plan, a continuation of the previous one, expand and intensify investments in this type of technologies. The role of AI is very important, which is why the EU reaffirms its support for the use of AI in laboratories, as well as its dissemination and use in small companies and potential users.

Before the pandemic, it was expected that the investment proposed by the commission was 1.5 billion euros and a private initiative attraction through the European Fund for Strategic Investments of at least 500 million euros. All this within the period of 2018-2020. And, surely after the pandemic it would be necessary to review this data since, surely, investment in AI will have increased after the pandemic caused by COVID-19.

That the European Union has decided to regulate Artificial Intelligence shows the great presence that AI has and will have in our lives. Therefore, it is an area that should be regulated for the advancement of these technologies in the coming years.

What can you do?

If you want to contribute to the development of AI and its proper functioning, do not hesitate to train with our courses. Enter Saturdays.Ai for more information and to start being part of the change. More and more professions are going to require knowledge about AI and we are going to have to deal with it in our daily lives as well. Don't miss the opportunity and join our community.

WRITTEN BY

Elena del Castillo Gil

Saturdays.AI

Saturdays.AI is an impact-focused organization on a mission to empower diverse individuals to learn Artificial Intelligence in a collaborative and project-based way, beyond the conventional path of traditional education