In late July 2024, the European Academy of Engineering (EAE) convened a distinguished panel of its leading experts in artificial intelligence (AI) to contribute to the European Union’s ongoing deliberations on the next iteration of its AI regulatory framework. This engagement comes at a pivotal moment, as the rapid proliferation of generative AI technologies and their profound societal impacts have heightened the urgency for clear and robust regulations. The EAE’s participation in this critical review process reflects the Academy’s commitment to providing expert guidance on the ethical, legal, and technical dimensions of AI development, with a particular focus on safeguarding privacy, mitigating security risks, and addressing broader societal concerns.

The AI regulatory framework under consideration aims to address the growing complexities posed by advanced AI systems, which are increasingly embedded in both public and private sector operations. Given the potential for generative AI to disrupt industries, influence public discourse, and challenge existing legal and ethical norms, the EU seeks to ensure that regulatory measures are not only responsive to current developments but also anticipatory of future technological evolutions. In this context, the EAE expert panel has provided critical input on the ethical implications of AI, advocating for a balanced approach that promotes innovation while maintaining strict safeguards to protect individual rights and public interests.

EAE’s contributions are particularly focused on the ethical governance of AI, emphasizing the need for transparency, accountability, and fairness in AI decision-making processes. The panel has underscored the importance of embedding ethical considerations into the design, deployment, and use of AI systems, ensuring that these technologies adhere to principles of justice, non-discrimination, and respect for human dignity. This includes the development of AI systems that are explainable and auditable, allowing for greater public trust and oversight.

In addition to ethics, the EAE experts have highlighted the critical need for robust privacy protections in the context of AI, especially as data-driven technologies become more pervasive. The panel has provided strategic recommendations for enhancing data security measures and ensuring compliance with the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) within the framework of AI applications. The potential for AI to process vast amounts of personal data in ways that could threaten privacy necessitates stringent safeguards to protect citizens from unauthorized data collection, misuse, and surveillance.

Furthermore, the EAE panel has addressed the security risks associated with AI, particularly the vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious actors. The experts have called for comprehensive risk assessments to be integrated into AI governance frameworks, focusing on mitigating the potential for AI-driven cyberattacks, misinformation campaigns, and other forms of harmful manipulation. By ensuring that AI systems are developed with robust security protocols, the EU can better safeguard public infrastructure, democratic processes, and individual freedoms.

The EAE’s expert recommendations serve as a cornerstone for the EU’s efforts to develop a forward-looking and practical AI regulatory regime. The Academy’s contributions will help shape policies that not only regulate the immediate challenges posed by AI but also anticipate and prepare for future advancements. As AI technologies continue to evolve at an unprecedented pace, the EAE’s input will be instrumental in ensuring that Europe remains at the forefront of ethical and responsible AI development.

This collaboration between the European Academy of Engineering and the EU further underscores the Academy’s role as a key advisor on matters of technological innovation and public policy. By engaging with the complex issues surrounding AI governance, the EAE is helping to lay the groundwork for a future in which AI can be harnessed for societal benefit, while minimizing risks to individual rights and democratic institutions. The Academy remains committed to supporting the EU’s vision for a safe, ethical, and technologically advanced society, and will continue to provide expert insights as AI regulations evolve in response to new challenges and opportunities.