Source: DiMT
In this interview, Professor Mariavittoria Catanzariti discusses the European Union’s AI Act, focusing on its implications for global challenges through a Eurocentric lens. The AI Act represents one of the most comprehensive regulatory frameworks for artificial intelligence, aiming to address various ethical, legal, and social concerns related to AI technology. Catanzariti explains that while the regulation is focused on protecting European citizens, it has the potential to influence global AI governance due to the EU's role in setting regulatory precedents.

The AI Act categorizes AI systems based on their risk levels, with higher-risk technologies subjected to stricter regulations. Prof. Catanzariti highlights that this risk-based approach is crucial for ensuring that AI applications, particularly in critical sectors such as healthcare and law enforcement, are held to high standards of transparency and accountability.

However, she also notes that the AI Act reflects a distinctly Eurocentric perspective, which may not fully account for the diverse AI challenges faced by non-European countries. Despite this, the Act could serve as a model for other nations looking to implement their own AI regulations.

The interview also touches upon the global competitiveness of the European AI industry, with Catanzariti stressing the importance of balancing innovation with regulation. She argues that while the AI Act aims to protect fundamental rights, it must also ensure that European companies remain competitive in the global AI market.