Europe struggles to decide how to regulate ChatGPT and generative AI

European Union lawmakers haven't yet arrived at a framework on how to regulate ChatGPT and generative artificial intelligence. The unprecedented fast growth of AI chatbots and other applications of AI is speculated to be the reason.

The EU's 108-page proposal for the AI Act which was published two years ago had only one mention of chatbot. The conversation was mostly about concerns related to deep fake images or audio designed to impersonate people. However, now, these regulations are in desperate need of catching up with the "explosion of interest in generative AI", reported Reuters.

A new draft of the legislation aimed at copyright protection was introduced on Thursday. It is not final and may take years before it is implemented.

However, the lawmakers worked for 11 days straight on the potential landmark legislation. This is a rare pace for the EU in terms of decision-making.

Conservative MEP Axel Voss has suggested that AI companies must request permission from rights holders before using data. However, this suggestion was rejected over being "too restrictive" because if implemented, it can negatively influence the AI industry which is in its infancy.

The committee is set to vote on the matter on May 11.