Tech trade association criticises EU and US approach to AI regulation

The Computer and Communications Industry Association (CCIA), a global tech policy group, has publicly declared its opposition to upcoming AI-specific regulation in the United States and the European Union. The trade association voiced concerns that regulation could hamper innovation and hurt the tech sector. Boniface de Champris, CCIA’s Europe policy manager, slammed the EU’s AI policy for focusing on the technology rather than its applications.

In June, the EU Parliament agreed to an AI Act draft, which adopts a risk-based regulation, and US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called for a framework for regulating AI.
In July, the US House Energy and Commerce Committee passed the AI Accountability Act, which directs the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to review accountability measures for AI models used by telecom operators.
The same month, the Biden-Harris administration announced that seven US tech platforms, including CCIA members Amazon, Google, and Meta, made a commitment to ‘ensure that AI is developed and used in a way that is safe, trustworthy, and aligned with human values.’ This week, the White House announced that eight more joined the voluntary guidelines, including big names such as IBM, Adobe, and Nvidia.

Why does it matter?

Many industry players believe that AI regulation matters because it can help ensure that AI is designed and operated in a way that maximises benefits to society while minimising risks, protects human rights, and promotes accountability, transparency, and trust. In the US, Congress held hearings and discussions on AI regulation, including with prominent tech leaders like OpenAI’s Sam Altman, Microsoft’s Brad Smith, and Nvidia’s William Daly. The EU adopted new privacy laws in a Digital Services Package legislation that tightened transparency rules, and the AI Act’s final version is expected by the end of the year. Around the world, several other countries and regions are working on similar legislation.
The debate is bound to continue as others, like the CCIA, believe that regulation could slow progress and hinder the development and use of advanced AI technology.