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Artificial intelligence (AI) is clearly a powerful tool for the future development of technology and services, but it also brings many dangers for citizens and communities around the globe. The AI Act proposed by the European Parliament sets out new rules to address the various risk levels associated with artificial intelligence and its uses.

Assessing all the potential issues emerging from the adoption of such technology is a crucial feature of every authority that wants to “absorb” this potentially revolutionary and powerful system. The EU needs to assess a lot of questions when it comes to AI, from the potential impact on economies and industries to the effects that it can bring on society and individuals, both as normal citizens and as customers.

he destruction of jobs and the jeopardizing of human skills are the clear and logical fears of many politicians, but there are other potential negative aspects related to AI. One of the main arguments against such technology is obviously the lack of control over the development of control systems and, generally speaking, the issue of security and the monitoring of public spaces. People worry about what use can be made of data and other kinds of information in the sector of law enforcement or border control management, as various EU member states could be interested in applying new instruments in the fight against irregular migrants and potential terrorists.

As some humanitarian organizations have already denounced, without proper regulation, AI systems could potentially exacerbate the existing tendencies of mass surveillance or structural discrimination, while giving more power to big-tech companies. The EU needs to be aware of these risks and, at the same time, be ready to continue working on the ever-changing and revolutionary issue of artificial intelligence, embracing this challenge in the face of the potential competition with other powers such as China and the US.

Written by: Valerio Marino