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Brussels, BELGIUM – The European AI Roundtable convened its first meeting in Brussels, drawing together prominent experts in artificial intelligence (AI) from across the EU to delve into the intricate interplay between AI and copyright regulations.
Throughout the session, discussions revolved around the implementation and enforcement of the EU’s groundbreaking AI Act, recently put into effect, as well as the existing EU Copyright Directive. Participants explored the advantages and hurdles for both the tech industry and the creative sector within this regulatory landscape.
The European AI Roundtable aims to foster a pivotal discourse on how to effectively regulate artificial intelligence and stimulate AI innovation in Europe. The panel comprises representatives from academia, leading AI companies, the creative industry, national expert bodies, as well as the European Commission, Parliament, and Member States. Organized by the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA Europe), this initiative will convene regularly to address pressing inquiries.
In the context of copyright matters, the participants deliberated on the necessity for potential further legislative interventions subsequent to the adoption of the AI Act. Alternatively, the discourse could focus on the proper execution of existing regulations and encouraging collaboration within the industry.
In a statement, CCIA Europe’s Senior Policy Manager, Boniface de Champris, remarked, “A central theme that emerged during our discussion is the delicate balance that the EU Copyright Directive strikes between protecting intellectual property and fostering innovation. Despite differing perspectives, the panel found common ground in the need to focus on the right implementation of the existing Copyright Directive and AI Act.” De Champris also emphasized the importance of open dialogue among various sectors in addressing challenges and finding mutually beneficial solutions.
Senior Vice President and Head of CCIA Europe, Daniel Friedlaender, expressed enthusiasm about the Roundtable's potential impact, stating, “This first discussion on copyright highlighted a clear eagerness among participants to leverage the European AI Roundtable as an expert platform that impacts the broader AI debate and drives the discussion on key issues forward.” Friedlaender further described the inaugural meeting as a success, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in finding common ground within the discussion.
Future meetings under the auspices of CCIA Europe are already on the horizon, with a focus on exploring the implications of AI regulation on competitiveness and privacy later this year.
