As 2023 witnessed significant strides in AI adoption, it also brought forth the need for regulations to govern the technology. As 2024 approaches, industry insiders at the intersection of law and AI share insights into the lessons learned in 2023 and expectations for the year ahead. From delays in enforcing the EU AI Act to compliance challenges and the anticipation of more specific laws, the legal landscape around AI is evolving rapidly.


Key Points:

  1. Delays in EU AI Act Enforcement:

  2. The EU AI Act, aimed at regulating AI development and deployment, faced delays in its enforcement.

  3. Critics argue that the legislation is prone to overregulation, and concerns persist over the final draft.

  4. A phased grace period is outlined, with rules applying at different intervals after formal adoption in early 2024.

  5. Compliance Challenges:

  6. Companies are expected to face compliance challenges despite new regulations entering the scene.

  7. The European Commission encourages the voluntary implementation of AI Act obligations before they become mandatory.

  8. Compliance hurdles include aligning with existing regulatory schemes, such as GDPR, privacy laws, and industry standards.

  9. Challenging AI Safety Standards in the U.S.

  10. The Biden administration issued an executive order on AI safety standards, creating a challenging climate for developers.

  11. Developers find it difficult to discern concrete compliance standards from vague language.

  12. The order aims to ensure AI safety and security by incorporating six new standards, including ethical AI usage within government agencies.

  13. Anticipation of More Specific Laws:

  14. Expectations arise for the introduction of more specific, narrowly framed laws, particularly against AI-generated deepfakes.

  15. Some countries are already considering regulations on political deepfakes, emphasizing the need for more focused legal frameworks.

  16. Specific laws are anticipated to result in a more straightforward impact, offering clarity for businesses and effective enforcement.

  17. Focus on AI Investments:

  18. There are indications that regulations in 2024 could focus on investments in technology, with discussions around reporting investments in Chinese technologies.

  19. Legislative efforts highlight the importance of monitoring and regulating investments in the AI sector.

  20. Copyright Clarification:

  21. Copyright-related lawsuits against leading AI developers, accusing them of copyright infringement, are expected to see resolution in 2024.

  22. The industry anticipates clarification on what constitutes copyright infringement in the context of AI development.

  23. Ongoing lawsuits, including The New York Times' case against OpenAI and Microsoft, could shape the copyright landscape.

  24. AI's predictions for 2024:

  25. AI, represented by ChatGPT, predicts more global regulations on ethical concerns and biases.

  26. Developing clearer liability standards for AI-related incidents for developers and users is expected.

  27. Increased emphasis on data privacy laws, transparency in AI algorithms, and specialized regulatory bodies for overseeing AI implementation.

  28. Potential updates to labor laws and new employment models with AI considerations.

  29. Efforts to establish a cohesive international framework for governing AI technologies and measures to protect consumers from misleading or harmful AI applications.

Conclusion: As AI continues to evolve and integrate into various aspects of society, the legal landscape surrounding the technology is adapting. The challenges of enforcing regulations, ensuring compliance, and addressing specific concerns like deepfakes and copyright infringement will shape the trajectory of AI law in 2024. The predictions from both industry experts and AI itself reflect the ongoing efforts to strike a balance between fostering innovation and addressing ethical, privacy, and safety considerations in the AI space. Stay tuned for updates on the legal developments in AI throughout the coming year.


(SAVANNAH FORTIS, COINTELEGRAPH, 2023)