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On December 5, 2013, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati (WSGR) hosted a webinar as part of its AI-Volution series, which examines new AI legal developments in the U.S., the EU, the UK, and China.
The topic, Differences and Similarities, covered key AI regulatory developments. Presenters included Laura De Boel, Maneesha Mithal, Rossana Fol, Tom Evans, and Gil Zhang.
Key points:
- There is a general trend toward more oversight, particularly for high-risk applications, though approaches vary. As AI systems evolve rapidly, regulatory responses are a work in progress
- In the US, there is currently a patchwork of laws with potential applications to AI systems. These include federal laws like the Fair Credit Reporting Act, anti-discrimination laws, FTC Act, as well as state laws like the California Bot Disclosure Law.
There are some laws specifically addressing AI use in employment decisions. At the federal level, the FTC has provided guidance, and there is a recent AI Executive Order directing Commerce to issue AI rules and guidelines.
- China has been actively promoting AI development through initiatives like the 14th Five-Year Plan. The AI Governance Committee (AIGC) oversees compliance, requiring companies to file details on algorithms and controls.
The rules apply broadly to developers, providers, and users of AI systems, whether built in China or not. There are some sector-specific regulations, but most rules apply across the board.
- The EU's AI Act aims to create a comprehensive, risk-based framework encompassing all sectors. It distinguishes between providers and deployers, with more obligations falling on providers of high-risk systems. The rules will apply to non-EU companies providing services or outputs in the EU. Prohibited practices include exploiting individuals and scraping facial images.
- The UK recently issued a pro-innovation white paper, taking a case-by-case approach. Penalties focus on high-risk systems. As the regulatory framework for AI in the UK continues to develop, the Information Commissioner's Office and the Competition & Markets Authority will play pivotal roles in shaping regulations that align with a pro-innovation stance.
- Global coordination efforts are also underway, like the Global AI Safety Summit and G7 Guiding Principles.
WSGR’s full events schedule is accessible here.
Are there events or webinars that you think the Sema team should be attending and writing about? Contact us to let us know.
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Disclosure
Sema publications should not be construed as legal advice on any specific facts or circumstances. The contents are intended for general information purposes only. To request reprint permission for any of our publications, please use our “Contact Us” form. The availability of this publication is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. The views set forth herein are the personal views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Firm.
