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European Union Probes into Big Tech’s Handling of AI

By  |  March 19, 2024

The European Union has launched a formal investigation into major tech companies like Meta (formerly Facebook), Microsoft, Snap, TikTok, and X (owned by Elon Musk) to address concerns regarding AI misuse, particularly in spreading deepfake content. The inquiry, started on Thursday, concentrates on how these companies handle the risks linked with generative AI, per CNN.

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    Officials at the European Commission expressed apprehension about the disruptive potential of AI-generated deepfakes, especially in the context of elections. With the upcoming EU parliamentary elections in mind, regulators are keen to ensure that tech platforms are adequately prepared to counter the spread of misinformation facilitated by AI tools.

    Companies have been given until April 5 to provide detailed information on their mitigation measures concerning the risks posed by generative AI, including the dissemination of false information, the viral spread of deepfakes, and the manipulation of services to mislead voters.

    “We’re asking platforms, are they ready for a kind of 11th-hour injection scenario right before the elections, where a high-impact deepfake might be distributed at large scale, and what their readiness for these kinds of scenarios are,” a commission official stated during a press conference.

    Read more: US Tech Giants Accept European Union’s ‘Gatekeeper’ Classification

    The EU’s scrutiny extends beyond election-related concerns to encompass broader issues such as user privacy, intellectual property, civil rights, and children’s safety and mental health, all of which are influenced by the proliferation of generative AI. Companies will have until April 26 to respond to inquiries regarding these topics.

    The investigation also has implications for the regulatory landscape governing tech platforms. Under the Digital Services Act, which serves as a cornerstone of tech regulation in the EU, AI-related mishaps could lead to fines or other penalties. The Commission’s scrutiny of AI usage by tech companies underscores the importance of compliance with existing and forthcoming regulations.

    Part of the Commission’s intention with this probe is to develop comprehensive election security guidelines for tech platforms. These guidelines, expected to be finalized by March 27, may incorporate insights gained from the companies’ responses to the inquiry.

    The request for information directed at X, Elon Musk’s social media company, is reportedly linked to an ongoing investigation initiated during the Israel-Hamas conflict last year. Commission officials indicated concerns regarding the manipulation of services through automated means, which could include the use of generative AI.

    As the EU intensifies its focus on regulating the use of AI and combating the spread of deepfake content, tech companies face heightened scrutiny and the prospect of stricter enforcement measures. The outcome of this investigation could shape the future of AI governance in the EU and set precedents for tech regulation worldwide.

    Source: Edition CNN