Debate: Global Convergence on Generative AI
Date: THURSDAY, 13 JULY 2023
Speaker: Věra Jourová
Language: EN

Now, first let me say a few words on the impact of generative AI which we expect. Generative AI is a concept that is very much on top of the public discourse at the moment. This term usually refers to AI systems that are based on large foundation models and that can generate new original content in different modalities, for example, text, image, video or sound. The global rate of adoption of generative AI systems has been massive and fast. For instance, last January there were already 100 million users of ChatGPT just two months after its launch. It is, however, also already clear, as just highlighted in a recent report from OECD, that generative AI amplifies pre-existing risks and even creates new risks, in particular regarding related bias, discrimination, mis- and disinformation. The proposal for the AI Act is Europe’s response to address the risks of AI and to enhance trust, including for what concerns generative AI. Indeed, AI systems which are usually referred to as generative AI, do already fall in the scope of AI Act. Under the transparency provisions, people have to be informed whether they are interacting with a chatbot or when they receive deepfakes. In its own mandate, the European Parliament has added additional requirements on foundation models and generative AI to take account of recent developments. We also recognise the importance of discussing how AI-generated content can be easily detected, for instance, to tackle disinformation. These will be important parts of the trilogue negotiations. In the meantime, it is important to note that our regulatory approach is already inspired many countries, to mention Brazil, for instance. In this context, we cannot sit back and wait until the AI Act becomes applicable in two or three years. This is why the Commission has called for an AI pact which will seek voluntary commitments of companies to start implementing the AI Act ahead of its legal deadline. Respect for the legislative process is key. The pact will not pre-empt the work of the co-legislators after adoption. The voluntary commitments in the AI Pact will be fully aligned with the final text of the Act. Let me also remind you that while the discussions on the AI Act and other legislative proposals, notably the product liability and AI liability directives, are ongoing. The deployment of generative AI does not take place in a legal vacuum. EU data protection and EU consumer law is already in place. National data protection authorities already launched enforcement actions and cooperate closely on this matter. Now a few words about the international efforts on generative AI, where the EU, and I am proud to say it, is a global frontrunner. No other region is as advanced in developing a comprehensive, binding regulatory framework which is essential to address the risks and opportunities of AI effectively.  This is why we carry a responsibility to engage internationally, and we do so at different levels, including OECD, G7, United Nations, Council of Europe and bilaterally. This brings me to the second part of my intervention: the role and priorities of the European Commission in the global efforts on AI and in particular generative AI. In the context of G7, the G7 leaders established the Hiroshima AI process with a focus on the development of guardrails for generative AI. The Commission contributes its expertise and promotes the principles of the AI Act without pre-empting the legislative process. The Hiroshima process could result in a global approach to seeking industrial commitments, for instance, through an international code of conduct or another form of guidance complementing national or regional regulatory or non-regulatory initiatives. Furthermore, the EU cooperates with the United Nations on the Global Digital Compact and, more specifically, with Unesco on the recommendations on ethics of artificial intelligence. On the regional level, the EU is actively engaged in the ongoing Council of Europe process to develop a convention on AI. The work at the Council of Europe could also prove instrumental in achieving a global approach to binding common rules, allowing to address risks posed to human rights, democracy and rule of law. Bilaterally, AI is high on the agenda in our digital partnerships, for instance with Japan and Korea. In the EU-US Trade and Technology Council, we have developed a roadmap on evaluation and measurement tools for trustworthy AI and risk management, in line with our risk-based approach. Further work will also cover generative AI. In addition, we are promoting joint EU-US research on use cases of AI with a broad societal benefit. Hence, what we see through our work at global level is that, in spite of the differences, there is growing convergence, convergence on the need to take action, convergence on the underlying common principles underpinning democratic values for development and use of AI. The EU has a unique opportunity through the AI Act to make a very concrete contribution to the global efforts on trustworthy AI. This means we should finalise trilogues on AI Act as soon as possible and take every measure in the EU and globally to promote the early uptake of AI Act principles.