Eu Proposes Global Panel To Tackle Ai Challenges

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called for the establishment of a "global panel" consisting of experts and technology companies to address the complex challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI). Her proposal comes as leaders worldwide express concerns about the societal and democratic impact of AI, especially in light of the proliferation of AI tools like ChatGPT and image generators such as Stable Diffusion and Midjourney. Von der Leyen emphasized the urgent need for global cooperation and consensus on AI issues, citing a recent warning from hundreds of leading AI developers, academics, and experts who stressed the necessity of prioritizing AI on a global scale alongside other major societal risks like pandemics and nuclear war. To address these concerns, von der Leyen proposed creating a panel similar to the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which produces reports establishing scientific consensus on climate change. She envisions a panel comprised of scientists, tech companies, and independent experts to assess the risks and benefits of AI for humanity. During her speech at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, von der Leyen stated, "This will allow us to develop a fast and globally-coordinated response." The European Union (EU) has taken a leading role in AI regulation and aims to approve the world's first comprehensive AI law by the end of the year. The EU's AI Act, which serves as a blueprint for AI regulation worldwide, is set to become law no earlier than 2026. To expedite the adoption of AI regulations, von der Leyen expressed the EU's intention to collaborate with AI companies and encourage voluntary commitments to the principles outlined in the AI Act before it takes effect. This interim pact aims to lay the groundwork for responsible AI development and implementation in the EU and beyond.