European Commission Faces Backlash Over AI Adviser Appointment

The European Commission has faced criticism for its decision to seek a lead scientific adviser for Artificial Intelligence (AI) from within its own ranks. This position, which falls under the Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology (CNECT), is intended to support the AI Office in monitoring technological advancements and regulating the AI industry, particularly regarding general-purpose AI models like ChatGPT. The announcement of this internal hiring sparked backlash among political figures, who argued that it contradicts the spirit of a political agreement made in December 2023, which aimed to include external experts in the AI Office's operations. Critics, including MEPs, emphasized the need for diverse expertise from outside the EU institutions to effectively address the challenges posed by AI regulation. A Commission official clarified that the role is currently open to EU officials and may later be extended to external candidates if not filled internally. They also noted that the primary criterion for the position is a strong scientific background. Importantly, the lead scientific adviser role was not included in the AI Act, which means there was no prior political agreement regarding its hiring process. The official stated that the position was established after the AI Act negotiations concluded, indicating that the Commission had the discretion to determine the hiring approach. The controversy highlights the ongoing debate about the balance between internal and external expertise in shaping AI policy and regulation. As the AI landscape evolves rapidly, the Commission's approach to appointing advisers will be closely scrutinized by stakeholders across the political spectrum. The outcome of this internal hiring process could set a precedent for future appointments in the field of AI governance.