The European Council approved on Tuesday the European Union's AI Act, the world's first legal framework on artificial intelligence. The act is expected to enter into force next month and its regulations will apply in two years. The legislation aims to ensure the development of safe and trustworthy AI systems in the single market, as well as protect EU citizens' rights.
"The AI act applies only to areas within EU law and provides exemptions such as for systems used exclusively for military and defense as well as for research purposes," the Council noted. The law will enable the EU to set up an AI office within the European Commission to enforce the common rules across the union, a scientific panel of independent experts, a board including representatives from member states, and an advisory forum for stakeholders.