24-5-2023 (Brussels) Alphabet, the parent company of Google, and the European Commission are working towards the development of an artificial intelligence (AI) pact that would involve companies from both Europe and beyond, in anticipation of forthcoming regulations governing AI technology. Thierry Breton, the EU industry chief, revealed this collaboration on Wednesday following a meeting with Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Google and Alphabet, in Brussels.
Breton stated that he and Sundar agreed on the urgency of not waiting for AI regulations to come into effect, and instead, to proactively collaborate with AI developers in creating a voluntary AI pact prior to the legal deadline. In a statement issued after the meeting, Breton emphasized the need for EU countries and lawmakers to finalize the details of the Commission’s proposed AI rules before the year’s end. Presently, discussions to reconcile differences between the two groups have not commenced.
Growing concerns surround the rapid advancements of AI and its potential to disrupt societal and business norms. Governments worldwide are grappling with the challenge of mitigating negative consequences while preserving the benefits and fostering innovation.
Margrethe Vestager, the EU Commissioner for Competition, who also met with Pichai, stressed the importance of collective action. In a tweet, she stated, “We need the AI Act as soon as possible. But AI technology evolves at an extreme speed. So we need a voluntary agreement on universal rules for AI now.”
Additionally, Vestager revealed that the European Union and the United States are planning to enhance cooperation on artificial intelligence to establish minimum standards before legislation is enacted.
