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Google’s CEO, Sundar Pichai, has agreed to work with European lawmakers on the creation of a voluntary “AI Pact” while formal regulations for applying AI are still being worked on. The European Union’s internal market commissioner, Thierry Breton, said in a statement that there is “no time to lose” in creating a safe online environment and that the EU wants to be “proactive” in developing an AI Pact ahead of incoming EU legislation. While only Google is publicly attached to the initiative at present, the EU aims to involve all major AI actors. The EU has past precedent in getting tech giants to agree to self-regulation, as it has done with voluntary agreements which a number of tech giants (including Google) signed up to in response to reports of online hate speech and the spread of harmful disinformation.
## The Need for an AI Pact
The EU has recognized the need for dedicated and uniform rules for AI, and seeks to create a voluntary AI Pact involving all major European and non-European AI players. The EU wants to launch the pact on a voluntary basis ahead of incoming EU legislation set to apply to AI to create a set of stop-gap self-regulatory measures.
## Voluntary Agreement on Universal Rules for AI
The development of the AI Pact is aimed at creating voluntary agreements on universal rules for AI until official and legal regulations come into force. Such a measure would create a safe online environment in Europe and ensure that AI-development complies with all EU rules, including those that govern data protection, online safety and artificial intelligence.
## An Arms Race in AI Regulation?
The rush for uniform AI rules in Europe comes as U.S. lawmakers are also turning their attention to regulation on AI. In recent weeks, the U.S. Senate committee held a hearing seeking advice on how to best regulate the technology. With Google partnering with the EU on voluntary standards, international cooperation on rule-making may soon become a reality.
## Conclusion
While the exact nature of the AI Pact remains unclear, the development of an initial set of voluntary rules is seen as a step towards international cooperation on AI rule-making. The EU recognizes the need for specific and structured regulatory measures for AI and seeks to create an environment that is safe for its citizens while ensuring compliance with all EU laws and regulations.
## FAQ
**What is the AI Pact?**
The AI Pact is a voluntary set of rules or standards that major global AI actors, including Google, are being asked to conform with until official regulatory measures come and apply to AI.
**Who is behind the AI Pact initiative?**
The European Union is leading the initiative, but is aiming to involve all major European and non-European AI actors, on a voluntary basis.
**What are the benefits of the AI Pact?**
The development of the AI Pact would create a safe online environment in Europe and ensure that AI keeps within EU regulations. It would ensure efficient AI-development and create a level of trust between AI-developers and the EU’s citizens.
**Why is it so important to have AI standards?**
Having specific and structured standards for AI will ensure fair practices and create a level of trust between AI-developers and citizens. It is important to maintain the trust of citizens and safeguard their rights and interests in an ever-expanding digital world.
**Why did Google agree to the AI Pact?**
Google recognizes the need for uniformity in AI rules and regulations, and partnering with the EU on voluntary standards could create a foundation for international cooperation on AI rule-making.
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