From Patchwork to Framework: A Tech Leader’s Guide to Global AI Legislation
By Kraig Kleeman
“Exploring global AI legislation is like tasting a complex wine; each country adds its own unique flavor, and sometimes it’s hard to predict whether it’ll hit the palate just right or leave a bitter aftertaste.” – Erik Severinghaus, CEO
Introduction
Navigating AI regulation is akin to guiding a vessel in misty seas. Each nation shines its own set of guidelines, and as the technology advances, these markers can occasionally blink or move. After exploring the world of international rules on artificial intelligence, and particularly the strong steps taken by the European Union with its AI Act, I have collected a few thoughts about how this compares to what other big countries such as the United States, China, and the United Kingdom are doing.
A World of Difference in AI Legislation
In the United States, controlling AI is similar to a quilt of many colors and patterns. Each part reflects separate areas such as self-driving cars or face identifying systems. This way promotes quick advancement, yet sometimes I am concerned that it may not cover all possible outcomes from AI developments that we have not predicted.
China adopts a more hierarchical strategy. The government perceives AI as an essential tool in their pursuit of technological dominance, leading to stringent regulations that are closely linked with wider national plans. It’s about supplying power to the AI system while maintaining a stable grip on the driving wheel.
The UK, after Brexit, is developing its strategy but generally prefers fewer regulations to encourage new ideas without too much difficulty. When I talk with colleagues in London, they are quite enthusiastic about it; however, they also know it’s important to be careful and keep things even.
My Thoughts on the EU AI Act
Pros:
The EU AI Act provides a definite direction for developers and businesses by establishing regulations that aim to avoid the ethical mistakes we have become aware of through reading. For entrepreneurs, having clear guidance is highly valuable.
The Act intelligently categorizes AI applications into different levels of risk, so it applies stronger control where the risks are greater and avoids putting too much regulation on innovations that are not as risky.
Cons:
However, the Act’s complex categories could have two sides. Startups in Europe might find that dealing with these categories slows their innovation. I remember talking with another CEO in Berlin who made a half-joke that they use the same amount of time for following regulations as they do for creating things.
There is also worry that if Europe’s rules are much stricter compared to other places with less strict regulations, it could lead to Europe becoming isolated. This might make European businesses less competitive.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Predictions
A major obstacle for the EU AI Act is to integrate smoothly with the laws of every EU country. It feels like making all gadgets in a smart home communicate using one standard – it’s difficult, but think about how well things would function if successful.
Regarding what is coming, I think we are moving to a situation where there will be more common worldwide rules for AI. Technology doesn’t have borders and mixes too much between countries for separate controls to work well over time. Last week, in an online meeting with leaders from Asia and North America, we all agreed that it is not only necessary but also certain to find agreement on AI ethics and standards.
Wrapping Up
Navigating the intricate aspects of worldwide AI rules keeps being a learning experience. The EU AI Act stands as an important point, offering useful insights and could serve as a model for different areas. However, keeping a good balance between promoting new ideas and making sure we follow ethical rules will need ongoing discussions and working together with countries all over the world. As we navigate this area, it is very important for all who are part of AI – from us developers at Bloomfilter to people using these technologies everywhere – to stay involved, be ready to change when necessary and take an active role in creating these guidelines.
About Erik Severinghaus
Erik Severinghaus is a highly successful entrepreneur, author, and mountaineer. If his accomplishments and aspirations were to draw inspiration from natural icons, he could be described as a fusion of Mark Zuckerberg’s visionary approach to business and Tony Stark’s electrifying approach to saving humanity. He possesses keen business acumen and a flair for captivating customers, investors, and marketing partners.
Erik’s entrepreneurial spirit is boundless, as evidenced by his track record of founding, operating and exiting multiple ventures that have created a combined $600M in value. Erik’s investment skills are striking. He was a founding investor in Hyde Park Angels which recently helped ShipBob achieve unicorn status. He raised $6M startup capital for his newest venture, Bloomfilter, which is growing by triple digits, quarter over quarter.
As an endurance athlete, Erik has conquered some of the world’s tallest peaks, including Mt. Everest in 2018. In his public appearances, Erik is quick to discuss that learning to navigate through the valleys in his business life is what has led him to properly navigate the victories.