EU Passes Groundbreaking AI Act, Establishes AI Office Amid Surveillance Concerns

May 29, 2024, 02:17 AM

The European Union has officially passed the AI Act, a comprehensive regulation aimed at governing artificial intelligence technologies. This groundbreaking legislation, which employs a risk-based approach, has been approved by the European Council and is set to become law soon, with full implementation expected two years post-publication. The AI Act includes provisions for enhanced supercomputer infrastructure to support AI development and mandates strict compliance measures for tech giants like Google, Meta, and Microsoft. Additionally, the EU has announced the creation of an 'AI Office' composed of tech experts, lawyers, and economists to oversee the implementation and governance of the new law. This office will play a crucial role in supporting governance bodies in member states and enforcing rules for general-purpose AI models. The Act has faced criticism for potentially legalizing biometric mass surveillance. Businesses are advised to prepare for compliance with resources such as KPMG’s EU AI Hub.