Carme Artigas, AI Regulation

Today, we have a special episode.  On Dec 9, 2023, European Parliament negotiators and the Council presidency agreed on the final version of the world's first-ever comprehensive legal framework on Artificial Intelligence; the EU AI Act.

My guest today was a central figure in that negotiation.  Carme Artigas represented Spain as the Secretary of State for Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence. Because Spain held the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU her voice and her role were crucial in getting the agreement done.

As you will hear, Carme worked on this process for several years. She shares what the regulations require, and also the balance the policy makers were trying to accomplish in developing this new framework.  We talk about the implications for competitiveness between Europe and other parts of the world, and also between startups and large incumbents within Europe.   

It is hard to overstate the importance of this legal framework for European consumers, for technology startups and investors globally, and for future economic growth for all.  AI is already shaping global markets and industries.  The US and India, two major markets, have not yet determined how to regulate.  In just the past month since the EU framework was announced, several countries across the world have indicated interest in following the path provided by the EU AI Act. As more countries follow the 27 members of the EU, this policy framework will shape AI’s development and use for years to come. 

Carme is now Co-Chair of the UN AI Advisory Board, which recently released an interim report here:  https://www.un.org/sites/un2.un.org/files/ai_advisory_body_interim_report.pdf

Her request to the audience is to share input on this report and process here: https://www.un.org/en/ai-advisory-body

Please enjoy my conversation with Carme Artigas