EU Parliament Discusses AI Act Monitoring Group

The European Parliament is in discussions to create a monitoring group for the implementation of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act, set to take effect on August 1, 2024. Brando Benifei, a center-left MEP and former rapporteur on the AI Act, confirmed that the Parliament is working closely with the European Commission to formalize this group. The Act will be overseen by national regulatory authorities, with the Commission's newly established AI Office playing a crucial coordinating role. As the Commission prepares for the Act's rollout, it is essential to operationalize fundamental rights impact assessments. Benifei emphasized the need for clear templates to address potential risks to citizens' rights. He and other MEPs have expressed concerns about the drafting process for codes of practice, particularly for general-purpose AI technologies like ChatGPT, which pose significant regulatory challenges due to their extensive capabilities. In a letter dated July 3, several MEPs urged the Commission to involve civil society in developing these codes, rather than allowing tech companies to dominate the process. The Commission has begun hiring consultancies to assist in drafting, but Benifei insists that independent experts should lead the working groups within the AI Office to mitigate the influence of large corporations. Benifei warned that without harmonized standards, the effectiveness of the AI Act could be compromised. He reiterated the importance of collaboration between stakeholders, while ensuring that Big Tech does not dictate the terms of AI regulation.