EU AI Act Criticized for Neglecting Human Rights Principles

Amnesty International's Advocacy Advisor on Artificial Intelligence criticizes the EU's AI Act for failing to prioritize human rights in AI regulation.

EU AI Act Falls Short on Human Rights

In response to the European Parliament’s approval of the European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act), Mher Hakobyan, Amnesty International’s Advocacy Advisor on Artificial Intelligence, expressed concerns about the legislation’s shortcomings.

While EU policymakers praise the AI Act as a global model for AI regulation, it neglects fundamental human rights principles.

The AI Act, slated to take effect in late May 2024, provides inadequate safeguards for affected and marginalized individuals. It fails to prohibit the irresponsible use and export of oppressive AI technologies and lacks robust accountability and transparency measures. This deficiency underscores the need for countries outside the EU to prioritize human rights in their AI regulations.

Amnesty International, in collaboration with a coalition of civil society organizations spearheaded by the European Digital Rights Network (EDRi), has been advocating for EU AI regulations that uphold and advance human rights.

Call for Human-Centric AI Regulation

The AI Act’s passage raises concerns about the protection of human rights in the digital age. As technology continues to evolve, it is imperative that regulatory frameworks prioritize the well-being and rights of individuals over unchecked technological advancement.

Amnesty International Image for illustrative purposes