Europe must set rules for global standards on Artificial Intelligence

The EPP Group calls for "high ethical standards," liability rules and transparency for the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Furthermore, MEPs want to create a stimulating environment for European Research and Development in Artificial Intelligence.

“Artificial Intelligence plays a crucial role for our economies and democracies. That is why we want Europe to be at the forefront in setting the rules for global standards. We need a human-centric, risk-based and balanced framework for AI with high ethical standards, appropriate liability rules and legal certainty for developers and users,” stated Esteban González Pons MEP and Vice-Chair of the EPP Group responsible for Legal and Home affairs.

Today, the European Commission will open up the discussion on how to regulate Artificial Intelligence in the EU. Transparency in automated processes is another priority for the EPP Group. 

“Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence must be an EU trademark. This is why we need to ensure the highest transparency standards. Algorithms must not be biased, and the decision-making processes within an algorithmic system must be as comprehensible as possible. Therefore, we call on social networks like Facebook, which are challenging our democracies, to make their algorithm transparent,” González Pons added.

“Strengthening Europe's industrial base on Artificial Intelligence is paramount to a trustworthy development of AI. Europe must invest in its technological independence and develop its own infrastructure, 5G strategy, data centres, cloud systems and components. At the same time we should remain open to international partnerships,” said Esther de Lange MEP and Vice-Chair of the EPP Group responsible for Economy and Environment.

The EPP Group sees a special role for Small-and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the development of tomorrow’s growth engines in Europe.

“Let us provide fast-track grants and encourage private investment for innovations, and facilitate access to finance for young entrepreneurs and SMEs through entrepreneurship and innovation programs to unleash the potential of the next generation of Europe’s job creators. We also have to reduce bureaucracy and establish an environment in which it is worth it for businesses to invest in AI research and other future-oriented technologies,” concluded de Lange.