5-6-2023 (BRUSSELS) As concerns grow over the potential misuse of generative AI tools, European Commission deputy head Vera Jourova has called on companies deploying such technology to label their content as part of their efforts to combat fake news. Jourova’s remarks came on Monday (Jun 5) as she addressed the issue of disinformation and the use of AI by tech giants.
The introduction of ChatGPT, developed by Microsoft-backed OpenAI, has seen it become the fastest-growing consumer application in history. This success has triggered a competitive race among various tech companies to bring their own generative AI products to market.
However, alongside this surge in popularity, worries have mounted about the potential abuse of such technology. There are concerns that bad actors, including governments, may exploit it to generate a significantly higher volume of disinformation than ever before.
During a press conference, Jourova emphasized the need for companies, particularly signatories to the EU Code of Practice for tackling disinformation, to integrate necessary safeguards into their generative AI services. These measures would ensure that the technology cannot be used by malicious actors to produce and spread disinformation.
Moreover, Jourova stressed that companies providing services capable of disseminating AI-generated disinformation should implement technology to recognize and clearly label such content for users. By doing so, they would enhance transparency and empower users to distinguish between authentic and potentially misleading information.
In this context, Jourova specifically mentioned major companies like Google, Microsoft, and Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook), which have already committed to the EU Code of Practice. She requested that these companies report on the safeguards they have put in place to address the issue by July.
Jourova also directed a warning towards Twitter, which recently withdrew from the Code. She stated that Twitter’s departure had attracted significant attention and would result in increased regulatory scrutiny. She made it clear that Twitter’s actions and compliance with EU law would be examined thoroughly and expeditiously.
