EU Works to ID AI

The European Union is urging online platforms such as Google and Meta to intensify their efforts in combating false information by implementing labels on text, photos, and other content generated by artificial intelligence, according to a senior official on Monday. Vera Jourova, Vice President of the EU Commission, expressed concerns about the new generation of AI chatbots, which can swiftly create complex content and visuals, presenting fresh challenges in the fight against disinformation. Jourova called upon tech companies like Google, Meta, Microsoft, and TikTok, which have voluntarily committed to the EU's disinformation combat agreement, to address the issue of AI-generated content.

During a briefing in Brussels, Jourova emphasized the need for online platforms that integrate generative AI, such as Microsoft's Bing search engine and Google's Bard chatbot, to implement safeguards that prevent malicious actors from generating disinformation. She also urged companies offering services with the potential to spread AI-generated disinformation to develop technologies that can recognize and clearly label such content for users. Requests for comment from Google, Microsoft, Meta, and TikTok were not immediately answered.

Jourova underscored that while EU regulations aim to protect freedom of speech, machines should not possess the freedom of speech when it comes to AI. The rapid advancement of generative AI, capable of producing human-like text, images, and videos, has both fascinated and alarmed observers due to its potential to transform various aspects of daily life. Europe has taken a leading role in the global effort to regulate artificial intelligence through its AI Act. However, the legislation is still awaiting final approval and won't take effect for several years. EU officials, who are also introducing separate rules this year to safeguard individuals from harmful online content, are concerned about the need to act swiftly in response to the rapid development of generative AI.

Notable instances of debunked deepfakes include a realistic image of Pope Francis wearing a white puffy jacket and a picture of billowing black smoke alongside a building, accompanied by a false claim of an explosion near the Pentagon. Even politicians have employed AI to raise awareness of its dangers. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen used OpenAI's ChatGPT to draft the opening of a speech to Parliament, crafting it "with such conviction that few of us would believe that it was a robot - and not a human - behind it." Last week, European and U.S. officials announced their plans to develop a voluntary code of conduct for artificial intelligence, which could be ready within weeks to bridge the gap until the EU's AI rules come into effect. Similar voluntary commitments outlined in the EU's disinformation code will become legal obligations by the end of August under the Digital Services Act. This act will require major tech companies to enhance platform moderation to protect users from hate speech, disinformation, and other harmful content. However, Jourova emphasized that these companies should immediately begin labeling AI-generated content.

Most major tech companies have already joined the EU disinformation code, obligating them to measure their efforts against false information and issue regular progress reports. Twitter recently withdrew from the code, which appeared to be a move by Elon Musk to loosen restrictions at the social media company following his acquisition last year. Jourova criticized Twitter's decision, considering it a mistake. She warned that Twitter's departure from the code has drawn significant attention, and its compliance with EU law will be closely examined and urgently scrutinized. Twitter will face a significant test later this month when European Commissioner Thierry Breton visits its San Francisco headquarters with a team to conduct a "stress test," evaluating the platform's ability to comply with the Digital Services Act. Breton, responsible for digital policy, stated on Monday that he would also visit other tech companies in Silicon Valley, including OpenAI, chipmaker Nvidia, and Meta.