British News Agency

The first of its kind globally, this legislation has the potential to set a global standard for AI regulation, underlining the gravity of the EU Council's decision. 

The new law aims to foster the development and uptake of safe and trustworthy AI systems by private and public actors across the EU’s single market. At the same time, it aims to ensure respect for the fundamental rights of EU citizens and stimulate investment and innovation in artificial intelligence in Europe. 

The AI act applies only to areas within EU law and provides exemptions for systems used exclusively for military defence and research purposes.

"Adopting the AI Act is a significant milestone for the European Union. This landmark law, the first of its kind worldwide, addresses a global technological challenge that creates opportunities for our societies and economies," said Mathieu Michel, Belgian Secretary Of State For Digitisation, Administrative Simplification, and Privacy Protection and added:

"With the AI Act, Europe emphasises the importance of trust, transparency, and accountability when dealing with new technologies while ensuring that this fast-changing technology can flourish and boost European innovation."

The new law categorises different types of artificial intelligence according to risk. AI systems presenting only limited risk would be subject to very light transparency obligations. 

In contrast, high-risk AI systems would be authorised but subject to requirements and obligations to gain access to the EU market. AI systems, such as cognitive behavioural manipulation and social scoring, will be banned from the EU because their risk is unacceptable. 

The law also prohibits the use of AI for predictive policing based on profiling and systems that use biometric data to categorise people according to specific categories such as race, religion, or sexual orientation.