New study calls for EU safeguards regarding artificial intelligence

A study by the University of Amsterdam’s Institute for Information Law calls for changes to trade policy, specifically – for officials to create space to regulate ethical and responsible artificial intelligence in future trade talks, according to a news release by the university.

The study was commissioned by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs to gain information about how international trade law, European norms and values, and the use of artificial intelligence come together.   

Responsible use of artificial intelligence is a top priority for the Dutch government because there is a need to ensure that technology is used responsibly as it becomes a stronger part of people’s daily lives, according to the study. It was co-authored by Kristina Irion and Josephine Williams.

The study recommends that trade policy in the European Union work to anticipate transnational challenges with AI deployment, because much of the AI deployed in Europe is from leading Internet companies in the United States. It also calls for open deliberation on how e-commerce policy and governance of artificial intelligence mix.

The authors say the European Union’s trade policy should add safeguards for the regulatory space for EU rules on transparency, accountability and auditability of AI systems, in addition to protecting source code and restricting data and tech localization.