He will take care to supervise artificial intelligence. The European Commission announced on Wednesday May 29 the creation of an AI office made up of experts responsible for implementing new European Union legislation, unprecedented at the global level. Established within the European Commission in Brussels, this service will employ 140 technology specialists, lawyers and economists.
It “will promote a European AI ecosystem that is innovative, competitive and respectful of EU rules and values,” said Digital Commissioner Thierry Breton.
Fostering innovation in Europe
Provided for by the regulation on AI definitively adopted on May 21 by the Twenty-Seven, the new service will play a key role in its implementation. The stated objective is to promote innovation in Europe while creating trust by limiting the risks of abuse.
This legislation will apply mainly from 2026. It adopts a “risk-based” approach and imposes constraints on different artificial intelligence systems proportionate to the dangers they represent for society.
AI systems presenting only limited risk will be subject to very light transparency obligations, while high-risk systems, used for example in critical infrastructure, education, human resources or maintenance of order, will be subject to reinforced requirements before being authorized in the EU.
Bans will be rare. They will concern applications contrary to European values such as citizen rating or mass surveillance systems used in China.
Specific rules for generative AI
Specific rules will apply to generative AI such as ChatGPT from Open AI to ensure in particular the quality of the data used in the development of the algorithms and respect for copyright. Artificially generated sounds, images and texts must be clearly identified as such to avoid manipulation of opinion.
The AI office will notably ensure the uniform application of regulations throughout the European Union, in collaboration with the Member States. He will participate in investigations into possible infractions and manage sanctions against offenders. He will also be responsible for identifying the risks of new technologies and supporting European research.
In a report published on Wednesday, the European Court of Auditors estimated that the EU had so far “failed to sufficiently boost investments in AI to be on par with the world leaders in the sector”.
The European Commission “did not coordinate its measures well with those of member states, and investments were not systematically monitored. Looking ahead, stronger governance and public and private investment “larger – and better targeted – will be essential if Europe is to meet the challenge of AI,” said the Court.