According to an early agreement within the EU, companies that use generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney will be required to reveal any copyrighted material used in developing their systems. This agreement could be the precursor to the world’s first all-inclusive laws governing tools like ChatGPT.
The EU has been drafting the AI Act for almost two years to regulate the wild field of artificial intelligence. The release of OpenAI’s AI-powered chatbot ChatGPT caused a surge in investment and popularity, prompting the need for regulations.
The European Parliament has approved the draft to proceed to the next stage, known as the trilogue. During this phase, EU lawmakers and member states will negotiate and finalize the bill’s details.
The proposed regulations will categorize AI tools based on their perceived level of risk, ranging from minimal to limited, high, and unacceptable. Concerns may arise regarding biometric surveillance, the spread of misinformation, or discriminatory language.
Although high-risk tools will not be banned, those who use them must maintain high levels of transparency in their operations.
Companies that use generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT or the image generator Midjourney, must disclose any copyrighted material used in developing their systems.
According to reports, this requirement was added recently within the past two weeks. Initially, some committee members suggested a complete ban on copyrighted material for training generative AI models. However, this idea was abandoned in favor of a transparency requirement.
European Parliament Deputy Svenja Hahn stated that the parliament reached a sound compromise that would proportionally regulate AI technology, safeguard citizens’ rights, stimulate innovation, and enhance the economy. This move came amid conservative calls for more surveillance and leftist demands for excessive regulation.
According to Macquarie analyst Fred Havemeyer, the EU’s proposal is sensitive, unlike the approach suggested by some that involve banning AI technology without prior consideration.
Havemeyer noted that the EU has been leading the charge in regulating AI technology and is at the forefront of shaping the global conversation surrounding the use of this technology.
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