European Parliament Approves AI Act Negotiating Position Ahead of Final Talks
The European Parliament overwhelmingly passes its negotiating position for the AI Act, paving the way for final trilogue discussions. The proposed legislation bans real-time biometric surveillance and places strict regulations on high-risk artificial intelligence systems.
The European Parliament takes a major step toward passing the world's first comprehensive artificial intelligence regulation by approving its negotiating position on the AI Act. Lawmakers pass the measure with 499 votes in favor, 28 against, and 93 abstentions, establishing a firm foundation for the upcoming trilogue negotiations with the EU Council of Ministers and the European Commission. Parliament President Roberta Metsola emphasizes that this framework manages risk while ensuring lawful AI use based on European values like privacy and fundamental rights.
The Parliament's agreed-upon text includes strict bans on several high-risk AI applications to protect citizens. Lawmakers prohibit real-time biometric identification systems in public spaces, along with biometric categorization tools that use sensitive attributes such as race, ethnicity, or political affiliation. The legislation also outlaws predictive policing based on profiling, emotion recognition systems in workplaces and schools, and the mass scraping of facial images from the internet to build recognition databases.
For high-risk AI systems that pose significant harm to health, safety, or the environment, the text establishes stringent oversight requirements. Italian MEP Brando Benifei notes that the goal is to harness AI's positive potential for creativity and productivity while actively countering dangers to democracy and freedom. As the trilogue process begins, all eyes remain on Europe as it attempts to finalize this groundbreaking and influential regulatory framework.