GS3 🔬 Science & Technology

EU AI Act

/ˌiː ˈjuː eɪˈaɪ ækt/

The European Union's Artificial Intelligence Act, adopted in June 2024 and entered into force on 1 August 2024, establishing the world's first comprehensive, legally binding regulatory framework for AI based on a risk classification system -- prohibiting unacceptable-risk AI practices, imposing strict obligations on high-risk AI systems, requiring transparency for limited-risk systems, and leaving minimal-risk AI unregulated.

Context & Background

The EU AI Act serves as a global benchmark for AI regulation, similar to how GDPR set the standard for data protection; it has extraterritorial application -- any AI system affecting EU citizens must comply, regardless of where the developer is based; penalties reach up to EUR 35 million or 7% of global turnover.

UPSC Exam Relevance

GS3 (Science & Technology). Prelims: risk-based framework, 4 categories, entry into force (August 2024). Mains: compare India's light-touch approach with the EU's comprehensive regulation; discuss whether prescriptive AI legislation would help or hinder India's AI ambitions.