European lawmakers who played a key role in developing the EU Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act) have expressed concerns that the European Commission is diluting the AI Act in response to lobbying from US technology companies and pressure from the Trump administration.
The lawmakers are particularly worried about the General-Purpose AI (GPAI) Code of Practice being drafted by the AI Office, which they believe is misrepresenting mandatory obligations as voluntary. These obligations include testing AI models for potential harms like discrimination and disinformation.
In a letter to the Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Technological Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, Henna Virkkunen, the lawmakers argued that making these tests voluntary could have severe consequences, including the manipulation of European elections and the disruption of the EU economy. They highlighted the importance of upholding fundamental rights and democracy in the current geopolitical climate.
The lawmakers suggest that pressure from the US, especially from a second Trump administration, is influencing the Commission's approach. They argue that attempting to appease the US by weakening the AI Act is misguided.
However, following a meeting with the AI Office, Italian MEP Brando Benifei, one of the Parliament's co-rapporteurs for the AI Act, expressed optimism that the problematic aspects of the Code could be amended before its finalisation. As such, he remains hopeful that their concerns will be addressed in the coming weeks.
In related news, EURACTIV (£) reports that US tech companies are lobbying the Trump administration to push back against the AI Act.
Meanwhile, an article in The New York Times (£) highlights the shift in attitudes by technology leaders embroiled in the race to develop AI technologies. Only two years ago, they were calling for Washington to regulate their companies to prevent AI from creating harmful outcomes. Now, it seems that they want governments "to stay out of their way."
Token applied - The Financial Times article may require a subscription. A version of the FT article is available without subscription in Fortune.
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