EU's AI Act: Struggling to Keep Pace with Evolving Landscape
The European Union's Artificial Intelligence Act, aimed at protecting citizens from harmful AI systems, has faced challenges since its inception in 2021. As the global race for AI supremacy intensifies, the EU's initial ambitions have been tested by shifting political landscapes and increasing pressure to enhance competitiveness.
Initially, the AI Act sought to balance regulation and innovation, aiming to protect people from dangerous and discriminatory AI systems while fostering trust and fundamental rights. However, by 2024, the act's contradiction between regulating harmful AI uses and aspiring to become a global AI superpower became unsustainable.
In 2026, there are no specific names of persons identified as engaged in improving AI legislation in the EU. Moreover, there's no confirmed information that the AI Act will fully enter into force in August 2026, despite entering into force in 2021. This delay may be attributed to the EU's evolving political landscape, influenced by the transatlantic race for AI supremacy, deregulatory agendas, and militarization.
The EU's new Multi-Annual Financial Framework proposed significant increases in military and border budgets, while social programs faced cuts. Meanwhile, the US under President Donald Trump planned to invest $500 billion in private-led AI infrastructure and weaken US regulations. These developments may have impacted the EU's AI legislative process.
EU funds have been used to develop AI technologies for defense, surveillance, and repression, with minimal scrutiny and accountability. This has raised concerns about the AI Act's effectiveness in protecting civil rights. Indeed, the act's current loopholes allow law enforcement and migration authorities to use AI systems that infringe on these rights.
Sarah Chander and Caterina Rodelli, members of the #ProtectNotSurveil coalition, have been advocating for stricter regulations and increased scrutiny of AI technologies used by authorities.
The EU's AI Act, despite its initial ambitions, has struggled to keep pace with the evolving AI landscape and shifting political priorities. As the global AI race continues, the EU must address the act's loopholes and ensure that AI technologies are developed and used responsibly, protecting citizens' rights while fostering innovation and competitiveness.
