Factbox: Governments Race to Regulate AI Tools – Reuters

Governments’ Regulatory Efforts in Response to Rapid AI Advancements

Rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), exemplified by tools like ChatGPT, are complicating efforts by governments worldwide to establish regulations governing the use of this technology. Here’s an overview of the latest actions taken by national and international authorities to regulate AI:

Australia

• The government is currently consulting with its primary science advisory body and exploring the next steps in regulatory development, as stated by a spokesperson for the industry and science minister.

Britain

• The Financial Conduct Authority is collaborating with the Alan Turing Institute and other institutions to enhance its understanding of AI while drafting new guidelines. Furthermore, the competition regulator announced plans to investigate how AI affects consumers and whether new regulations are required. Instead of forming a new governing body, Britain aims to distribute oversight of AI across existing regulators focused on human rights, health and safety, and competition.

China

• In July, China implemented temporary measures to manage the generative AI sector, mandating service providers to undergo security assessments and file algorithms. Earlier, draft measures were introduced to enforce security evaluations before generative AI services could be launched to the public.

European Union

• In June, EU lawmakers agreed on amendments to the draft AI Act, which will now be refined with member states before it becomes law. A key issue is facial recognition technology, with some lawmakers advocating for an outright ban while member countries call for exceptions for national security and defense.

France

• France’s privacy authority stated it was investigating several complaints related to ChatGPT, following the temporary ban of the chatbot in Italy over privacy concerns. Additionally, the National Assembly approved the use of AI-driven video surveillance for the 2024 Paris Olympics, despite warnings from civil rights advocates.

G7

• In May, G7 leaders acknowledged the necessity of governing AI and immersive technologies and initiated discussions, termed the "Hiroshima AI process," with results expected by the end of 2023. Digital ministers from G7 countries emphasized a "risk-based" regulatory approach in April.

Ireland

• Ireland’s data protection chief indicated in April that while regulation is necessary for generative AI, governing bodies need to carefully consider how to proceed without rushing into ineffective prohibitions.

Israel

• Israel is working on AI regulations, aiming to balance innovation with the protection of human rights. A draft AI policy was released for public feedback ahead of final decisions.

Italy

• Italy’s data protection authority is reviewing various AI platforms and consulting experts, following the reinstatement of ChatGPT for users after a temporary ban due to privacy concerns earlier in the year.

Japan

• Japan plans to introduce regulations by the end of 2023 that mirror a less stringent approach than the EU while focusing on economic growth through AI. The country’s privacy authority warned OpenAI against collecting sensitive data without user consent.

Spain

• Spain’s data protection agency announced an investigation into potential data breaches involving ChatGPT, also seeking input from EU privacy authorities on related concerns.

United Nations

• The U.N. Security Council discussed AI applications in July, highlighting their potential implications for global peace and security. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres supported the creation of an AI oversight body akin to the International Atomic Energy Agency and announced plans for a high-level AI advisory body to review governance strategies.

United States

• A recent ruling by a Washington D.C. judge clarified that AI-created art cannot be copyrighted without human input, reinforcing the Copyright Office’s stance. Additionally, the Federal Trade Commission launched a broad investigation into OpenAI regarding potential consumer protection violations. The FTC is also scrutinizing the competition landscape shaped by generative AI. In June, Senator Michael Bennet reached out to tech firms to encourage labeling of AI-generated content and limit misleading material distribution while introducing a bill to form a task force on U.S. AI policies.