E.U. Enacts Landmark AI Act, Pioneering Comprehensive Regulation

The European Union has reached a landmark deal on a comprehensive bill to regulate artificial intelligence (AI), solidifying its position as the de facto global tech regulator. The legislation establishes strict regulations for AI systems, with the most stringent limits placed on high-risk applications. The negotiations were prolonged due to disagreements between EU legislators and member states, particularly regarding generative AI models and the use of facial recognition by law enforcement. The EU's leadership in tech regulation has already had significant implications for Silicon Valley companies, and this AI bill is expected to influence other jurisdictions worldwide. In contrast, the US Congress is still in the early stages of crafting AI legislation, with concerns raised about the potential heavy-handedness of the EU's approach.