A consortium of influential organizations has issued an open letter directed at Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) Brando Benifei and Dragoş Tudorache. The letter underscores the imperative of preserving critical fundamental rights safeguards while flagging apprehensions concerning AI usage in law enforcement, migration, transparency, and accountability.
In their open letter, undersigned groups like Access Now, European Digital Rights (EDRi), and Amnesty International underscore the utmost importance of defending fundamental rights within the AI Act. With negotiations underway, these organizations implore MEPs to give paramount consideration to upholding these rights.
A focal point in the letter is the Parliament’s firm stance on prohibiting disturbing AI applications, encompassing biometric mass surveillance in public areas, emotion recognition, predictive policing, and biometric categorization. These measures aim to shield individuals from AI technology’s invasive and potentially harmful uses.
The letter raises concerns about possible loopholes within the Council’s overarching strategy and recent compromises. These loopholes could potentially absolve law enforcement and migration authorities of their obligation to furnish crucial transparency regarding AI system utilization. The signatories argue that such exemptions might render affected individuals uninformed about the deployment of AI technologies, with significant repercussions for their rights and well-being.
Contentious national security exception
Another contentious topic in the open letter is the comprehensive exception for AI systems developed or employed for national security. As elucidated in the letter, this exception contradicts established treaties and court precedents. The signatories contend that fundamental rights should remain inviolable, even in national security.
The letter implores MEPs Benifei and Tudorache to stand steadfast against any endeavors to dilute these pivotal protections, including those pertaining to fundamental rights impact assessments (FRIAs). The signatories posit that compromising these safeguards to pursue a political accord would negate the arduous two-and-a-half-year effort dedicated to the AI Act.
Distinguished signatories advocate for fundamental rights
The open letter features a coalition of organizations and advocates, unified in their resolve to ensure that the AI Act prioritizes protecting fundamental rights. Among the signatories are Access Now, known for its dedication to safeguarding digital rights, and European Digital Rights (EDRi), an organization committed to preserving civil rights in the digital era.
Amnesty International, a globally recognized champion of human rights, is also among the letter’s signatories. Its inclusion underscores the gravity of the concerns surrounding AI and fundamental rights. The letter underscores that these organizations collectively advocate for the rights of the people of the European Union.
A call for genuine protections
As negotiations surrounding the AI Act advance, the open letter serves as a poignant reminder of the pressing need to prioritize fundamental rights. The signatories, representing a wide cross-section of civil society, urge MEPs to uphold the Parliament’s mandate and ensure that the AI Act delivers robust and effective protections for the people of the European Union. The outcome of these negotiations is poised to shape the future of AI regulation in Europe, with the call to safeguard fundamental rights remaining firmly at the forefront of this endeavor.
In a landscape where AI technologies are becoming increasingly integrated into diverse facets of society, the stance taken by the European Parliament on fundamental rights safeguards is poised to have significant and far-reaching consequences. As negotiations unfold, stakeholders and the public will closely monitor the outcome of this pivotal legislative process.
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