OUR WORLD - Perspectives on Artificial Intelligence

PERSPECTIVES ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Strong protections can enable the development of
ethical AI in Europe, and force gatekeepers to respect with
reciprocity the new architecture of data governance. The
data ecosystem is ground-zero for AI innovation in Europe.
Data is the source of learning for AI systems and therefore
very important for AI to become smarter. Privacy by design,
consumer protection, and product safety will be at the top of
our agenda since we will not compromise privacy for safety.
More options available to users, clear consent, and rewards
for the use of our data, with stronger security standards, as in
cases of extreme personalization and micro targeting, would
enable fairer AI in this evolving ecosystem, and inspire trust
for European citizens. The EU has expertise in leading efforts
to establish global norms and standards for data processing,
which it can leverage in collaboration with international
partners to achieve global consensus. In the European
Parliament, we are currently working on an ambitious
agenda to enable better, rules-based data collection and
safer mechanisms to process, store, exchange, and transfer
data. Standardisation is necessary to ensure the high quality
and safety of data, alongside the establishment of data
spaces governed by rules addressing the divergent levels of
inherent risk of different sectors and technologies. Coupling
these efforts with a secure digital ID can be instrumental in
rethinking the current data ownership models.
In the EU, a significant portion of the budget and other
funding instruments is earmarked for the development of
digital skills, and digital education systems fit for purpose,
as we must prepare the grounds for a seamless transition
of our societies and economies into an era powered by
intelligent systems. At both the national and the EU levels,
progress is necessary to calibrate education and professional
training with the needs for digital skills, to enable greater
understanding of AI across generations, and stimulate career
paths into future jobs of AI innovation and research.
Our vision is to foster technology that creates value for
all, and enables our society to progress without impeding
on the rights of Europeans. Striking this sensitive balance is
a complicated endeavour, however the acceleration of AI
development, and the reach of its impact, implore us to get it
right from the outset. The EU is a global champion of privacy
and data protection in the digital age. This achievement
must be leveraged in establishing a safe ecosystem, where
trustworthy AI enables us to achieve our objectives with
regulatory control, and establish a fair and equal society fit
for the future.
The European principle-based
framework for AI systems must
translate and establish by law,
respect to our rights in the digital
age. Progress has been made
with landmark initiatives such as
the GDPR, however more work is
needed in this space to establish
legally binding rules which provide
developers and innovators with more
legal clarity, and award individuals
stronger protections of their rights
and freedoms.
22 January 2021 | <strong>OUR</strong> <strong>WORLD</strong>