EU Parliament setting the pace for regulating AI: Official

BRUSSELS (TVBS News) — As the European elections draw near, the European Parliament underscored on Thursday (Feb. 22) the importance of combating disinformation, a menace that threatens the very core of democratic processes. Delphine Colard, deputy spokesperson of the European Parliament, addressed the urgency of this issue at the Enex Coordinator Meeting in Brussels, Belgium, highlighting the concerted efforts by malign actors to undermine trust in electoral systems through the spread of false information.

The Battle Against Disinformation

Colard pointed out that democracy is at risk, as disinformation campaigns become more sophisticated, employing tactics that have been consistent across various national and international elections. "It is important because we know that democracy can’t be taken for granted. We know that there are actors trying to sow distrust in our democratic processes," Colard remarked. She emphasized the presence of a tangible threat, not only from artificial intelligence-engineered content but also from broader disinformation narratives and tactics.

The Deputy Spokesperson stressed the European Union's commitment to leading the charge against this threat, with the imminent finalization of an Artificial Intelligence Act aimed at regulating AI's use in spreading disinformation. Colard praised the proactive stance of various platforms, which have begun to align with the forthcoming regulations ahead of the legislation's formal implementation. "The European Union is at the forefront, we have an artificial intelligence act that is in the making, it’s being finalized now," she stated.

Extending the Fight Globally
The regulatory framework, as discussed by Colard, has implications that extend beyond the European Union's borders, potentially influencing global approaches to combatting disinformation. She expressed the EU's eagerness to collaborate with other nations, sharing best practices and regulations to inspire a united global effort against the spread of false information. Taiwan, recognized for its vigilant stance against disinformation, especially in the face of generative AI's challenges, was mentioned as a region that could benefit from such collaboration.

As the European Parliament navigates the complexities of safeguarding democracy from digital threats, the significance of international cooperation becomes increasingly apparent. The fight against disinformation is not confined to any single region; it is a global challenge that necessitates a concerted effort from all stakeholders involved.

The EU's proactive measures, particularly the upcoming Artificial Intelligence Act, serve as a testament to its commitment to protecting democratic integrity against the evolving threat of disinformation. With the European elections on the horizon, the urgency of addressing this issue has never been more acute, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies to safeguard democratic processes and ensure the trustworthiness of electoral outcomes.