Civil society urges stronger EU AI Act protections
Concerns focus on reduced safeguards for high risk AI systems.
ARTICLE 19, alongside more than 40 civil society organisations, has raised concerns about proposed changes to the European Union AI Act under the so-called AI Omnibus package. The groups argue the revisions could weaken existing protections.
According to ARTICLE 19, the proposal risks reducing safeguards for people affected by high-risk AI systems, including areas such as biometric identification and education. The organisations say the changes could leave individuals without adequate protection.
The publication also criticises the legislative process, stating that the European Commission did not follow standard procedures such as impact assessments or public consultation. This raises concerns about transparency and accountability in the legislative process.
ARTICLE 19 is calling on the European Union‘s institutions to restore key safeguards, particularly transparency requirements and oversight powers, to ensure fundamental rights are protected across the European Union.
This contrasts with representatives of leading industry businesses, who call for more relaxed AI Act rules so as to ensure the EU businesses remain competitive. This highlights a shared struggle between innovation and legislation.
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