The European Centre for Not-for-Profit Law (ECNL), Liberties, and the European Civic Forum (ECF) scrutinize the European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act), approved by the European Parliament on March 13. Despite being three years in the making, the AI Act fails to adequately safeguard fundamental rights and civic space. The organizations highlight five major flaws, including gaps and loopholes that dilute prohibitions and weak standards for fundamental rights impact assessments. They argue that the rushed legislative process left significant legal uncertainties, with the European Commission now tasked with clarifying through guidelines and delegated acts. Civil society contributions are crucial for the AI Act’s rights-based implementation, urging diverse voices, especially those of marginalized groups, to be prioritized. The lack of civil dialogue throughout the legislative process raises concerns about democratic legitimacy and underscores the influence of commercial and security interests over public interest and fundamental rights advocacy. Read more here.
Source: ECNL