France, Germany, and Italy have reached a historic agreement on the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI). This consensus is poised to expedite discussions at the European level regarding the governance of AI technologies.
The agreement advocates for voluntary yet binding commitments applicable to both small and large AI providers within the European Union. While the European Commission, Parliament, and Council are in ongoing negotiations, the three governments propose that rules of conduct and transparency should be universally binding to prevent any perceived competitive advantage for smaller European providers.
In contrast to earlier proposals, no immediate sanctions are recommended. However, the document suggests that a system of sanctions could be established if violations of the agreed code of conduct arise after a specified period. Additionally, the proposal envisions a European authority overseeing compliance with these standards in the future.
Germany’s Economy Ministry emphasizes that regulations should focus on the application, not the technology itself. Digital Affairs Minister Volker Wissing highlighted the need to regulate AI applications to ensure international competitiveness. The agreement signifies a strategic move to strike a balance between leveraging the opportunities presented by AI and mitigating associated risks.
The accord comes at a time when nations globally are seeking to harness the economic benefits of AI, with the UK hosting an AI safety summit in November. This development coincides with the German government’s digital summit in Jena and upcoming talks between the German and Italian governments in Berlin, where AI-related issues are expected to be on the agenda.
