Can governments regulate AI?

AI Act passed

The EU Parliament has approved the AI Act, which provides for the regulation of artificial intelligence in Europe, by a large majority. The Act makes a fundamental distinction between high-risk AI systems, which are subject to stricter requirements, and those with lower risk potential and fewer requirements. Bitkom warns that the German government must not repeat the mistakes of the GDPR and tighten the national regulatory corset so tightly that companies lack the freedom to innovate.

USA bans TikTok

The US House of Representatives has approved a bill aimed at taking TikTok out of Chinese hands. Supporters argue that TikTok could pose a threat to national security as it is owned by a Chinese company. Bytedance, TikTok's parent company, plans to defend itself against a possible ban before considering a sale.
  
  
  
Greens regulate influencers

The Greens are calling for a Europe-wide ban on the advertising of certain products by influencers in order to better protect consumers from dubious influencer marketing practices. A concept paper identifies financial and medical products that should no longer be advertised. There is also to be a ban on advertising gambling and unhealthy foods.

EU regulates algorithms

The governments of the EU member states have reached an agreement with negotiators from the EU Parliament on a new regulation for digital labour platforms. The draft regulation contains a series of measures to regulate automated monitoring and decision-making systems on digital labour platforms. These include bans on excessive pressure from algorithms, the use of personal data and biometrics as well as rules on transparency and data protection.
  
  
  
Advertising regulates itself

In 2023, the German Advertising Council only had to issue public reprimands in eight cases, which indicates an overall low number of violations of advertising standards. The number of complaint cases investigated by the Advertising Standards Council declined, with only 355 cases reported.