The Center for Data Innovation submitted a response to the public consultation of the European Commission on the White Paper on Artificial Intelligence—A European Approach. The Commission’s white paper outlines policy options for the EU to promote AI adoption while addressing risks associated with the technology. However, the European Commission sends a contradictory message with its proposed policies. The white paper says the EU should avoid overly prescriptive rules for AI, foster the use of AI to strengthen EU competitiveness, and commit to enabling scientific breakthroughs and innovation, but it goes on to propose measures that would slow down AI innovation and adoption in the EU. In particular, the Commission unwisely embraces the precautionary principle; imposes unrealistic requirements on AI systems; does not emphasize data quality; and focuses too narrowly on trustworthy and ethical AI. Additionally, the Commission’s proposal to introduce conformity control mechanisms to test AI are onerous and counterproductive. Instead, the Commission should develop a proportionate approach based on the innovation principle; ensure legal certainty and limit the cost of using AI; prioritize dialogue with industry; and involve EU partners and democratic allies in its process.
