EU Advances General-Purpose AI Code of Practice to Shape Future of AI Regulation

The European Union's New Initiative: General-Purpose AI Code of Practice

As the landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, the European Union is taking significant steps to shape its future. According to Cointelegraph, the EU is in the process of establishing the first General-Purpose AI Code of Practice under its AI Act. This initiative aims to create a comprehensive framework that addresses critical issues such as transparency, copyright, risk assessment, and internal governance.

Collaboration with Global Experts

The development of the Code of Practice is led by the European AI Office and involves hundreds of global experts from various sectors, including academia, industry, and civil society. The process commenced with an online plenary session conducted on September 30, attracting nearly 1,000 participants. This marks the beginning of a detailed effort that is expected to culminate in a final draft by April 2025.

Focus Areas of the Code

The Code of Practice aims to be a foundational element for implementing the AI Act on general-purpose AI models. These models include large language models (LLMs) and AI systems utilized across various sectors. To ensure a thorough and effective drafting process, four distinct working groups have been established, led by distinguished industry experts.

• Nuria Oliver: A prominent artificial intelligence researcher.
• Alexander Peukert: A specialist in German copyright law.

These working groups will focus on critical areas, including:

1. Transparency and copyright.
2. Identification of risks.
3. Technical risk mitigation.
4. Internal risk management.

According to the European AI Office, these groups will convene between October 2024 and April 2025 to draft provisions, gather stakeholder feedback, and refine the Code through continuous consultations.

The AI Act: Overview and Impact

The EU’s AI Act, which received approval from the European Parliament in March 2024, represents a landmark piece of legislation focused on regulating AI technologies throughout the EU. The act adopts a risk-based approach, categorizing AI systems into various risk levels and enforcing specific compliance obligations. This framework is particularly pertinent for general-purpose AI models due to their diverse applications and potential for substantial societal impact.

Concerns from Major AI Companies

Despite the collaborative and consultative efforts of the EU, some of the leading AI companies, including Meta, have expressed concerns regarding the regulations, labeling them as overly restrictive and potentially detrimental to innovation. However, the EU’s approach aims to strike a balance between ensuring safety and ethics while promoting technological advancement.

Looking Ahead: A Global Precedent

With over 430 submissions received during the consultation process, the EU is keen to establish a robust framework for the responsible development, deployment, and management of general-purpose AI models by April 2025. Emphasizing the need to mitigate risks while maximizing societal benefits, this initiative not only addresses local challenges but also sets a precedent likely to influence AI policies globally.

Conclusion

As the global AI landscape continues to change, the EU’s forthcoming Code of Practice represents a vital step in guiding nations worldwide in regulating emerging technologies. By focusing on collaboration and stakeholder engagement, the EU aims to foster an environment where innovation can thrive alongside necessary safeguards.