2024-05-09 04:21:43
We had to find a balance – to enable AI to develop in Europe, but also to protect it from its abuse, says the MEP from GERB/EPP
Eva Meidel is a member of the European Parliament and one of the lead negotiators for the world’s first artificial intelligence law, as well as lead negotiator for key EU microchip legislation.
Its policy priorities include the use of innovation and new technologies to support European competitiveness and foster cooperation between like-minded global players in the technological and democratic space.
Eva Meidel is among the hundred young global leaders of the World Economic Forum for 2022. She has twice been awarded the European Parliament MEP of the Year award, and is also part of Politico’s prestigious rankings of the 28 most influential people in Europe, as well as the 40 most influential MEPs.
Each of us feels that time is moving faster and that our everyday life is becoming more and more digitized. This, for better or for worse, is a process we cannot stop. At the same time, he has different faces. Thanks to new technologies, we live more comfortably, but the risks for our children and adults online become greater. On the other hand, it is already clear that economies that are not connected to the development of such new technologies have no chance to grow and provide prosperity. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged, which wears all these different faces: it is convenient, it helps economic development, it contributes to unprecedented improvements in some fields such as medicine, but at the same time some of its applications are startling and dangerous to society. What should we do?
As a Member of the European Parliament, I have dedicated the last two terms to regulating the development of technology so that it helps us, not hinders or bothers us. I have been a part of almost every major legislative process on the subject and have worked actively to put in place sensible rules in the technological times we live in, and most likely will increasingly live in the future.
These are some of the more important pieces of legislation I have worked on this term in the EP. All of them, although complex, have a direct impact on our lives every day. In Europe and in Bulgaria.
Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act)
The EU AI law is the first in the world to regulate this fast-growing technology and make it safer and more democratic. As lead rapporteur for the Industry, Research and Energy Committee on the Artificial Intelligence Act, we worked to provide the right market conditions and resources for European companies developing AI to European standards. We had to find a difficult balance – to enable AI to develop in Europe, but also to protect European societies from the risks of its misuse. This led to a risk-based approach to AI in this law: the riskier the use of AI, the more requirements and checks are put in place to ensure that the AI system works well. Thus there is a European vision for the development of this technology. We know what we don’t want from AI in Europe: the kind of social evaluation we see in China. If an AI system is helping to make a decision in a school, bank or workplace, we want it to function well and not make mistakes.
Why is it important for Bulgaria?
Like the Microchip Act, I was aware during the negotiations that Bulgaria has the people, the talent and the strategic geopolitical location to become a major player in the European technology economy. Home to one of nine supercomputers in the EU,
Bulgaria has the potential to become a Balkan center for training, development and implementation of AI
We have a promising AI ecosystem, including the Bulgarian AI Cluster, Dronamics, The Recursive, INSAIT and a number of other companies. At my suggestion, the so-called regulatory sandboxes are introduced into the law, which are intended to be a space for innovators and entrepreneurs before they launch their products on the market. This will be especially useful in Bulgaria and the CEE countries, because they can create common “sandboxes”, cooperate with European partners and focus on our strengths as FinTech.
As far as Bulgarian citizens are concerned, the AI Act is impactful in the work it does to further our fight against disinformation. According to this law, any manipulated video or audio, the so-called deep fake must be clearly labeled and dealt with accordingly to preserve our trust in the democratic process.
Disinformation and Content Moderation on Social Networks
Bulgaria is the target of Russian state-sponsored disinformation
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, this Russian-sponsored disinformation has become even more prevalent on social platforms. Already with the outbreak of the war, leading voices in Bulgarian society began to question the content moderation practices of key online platforms. The problem was particularly evident on Meta, the most used social platform in Bulgaria, and to a large extent on YouTube and Google’s online video service.
I hosted a series of initiatives in Bulgaria and Brussels aimed at increasing the transparency and fairness of content moderation on Meta, YouTube. We have worked on this in several ways: through the Digital Services Act, we have set clear requirements for large online platforms. But regulation is not enough. That’s why, as part of a two-year campaign, I’ve been meeting with the highest levels of Meta and Google leadership to demand transparency, information about content moderation practices, and push for specific and country-specific commitments. Part of this initiative also included organizing a public workshop in Sofia regarding Meta’s content moderation practices and allowing citizens and academics to voice their opinions on these issues.
Chips Act
The pandemic has taught us the extent to which supply chains can break down and disrupt the normal functioning of the single market. In the first few years after COVID, and in some sectors until now, there are supply difficulties because various elements are missing, most often microchips. Microchips are central to our economy and security – they are the brains of our devices. Chips are in everything from toys, refrigerators and cars to the most sophisticated weapon systems. That is why in the European Parliament we have worked to meet these challenges and
to help create a new microchip industry in the EU
The microchip law aims to make Europe a powerful player in digitization and industry by funding the sector with almost €11 billion.
Why is it important for Bulgaria?
Bulgaria needs to create new industries with high added value that can provide new jobs and higher wages. Every year the technology sector in Bulgaria grows by 11-12% and I am actively working to keep this share growing. I participated in the negotiations for additional funding for the benefit of small businesses, and also to secure new investments for elements of microchip production here in Bulgaria.
Digital Services Act
The DSA regulates the online marketplace, social networks, content sharing platforms, app stores and online travel and accommodation platforms. It ensures the safety of users, protects their fundamental rights and helps create a fair and open environment. Protecting consumer rights is critical for online business to thrive. The new rules under the DSA will allow citizens to monitor online traders, which in turn will help prevent online fraud.
Why is it important for Bulgaria?
The law also contains tools to combat online violence, especially against minors. Most importantly, these measures will be carefully balanced against restrictions on freedom of expression and will be subject to independent audits. Freedom of speech should never be the price in the fight against misinformation.