The EU has set the gold standard for data protection regulation with the GDPR and is on its way to doing the same in the AI space with the AI Act. The Data Act, which is part of the European Data Strategy, governs connected products and related services' handling of data, including IoT devices, and requires full disclosure from companies on how they collect, store and share users' data. Data holders are bound to provide free, secure, and fair data access while safeguarding trade secrets and user confidentiality, affecting AI systems' deployment and functionality. The Data Act does not have specific provisions for AI systems, but it affects AI systems deployed in connection with connected products or related services. Compliance with the Data Act and the EU AI Act cannot automatically provide compliance with the other, but the requirements may affect each other. A holistic approach, using technical as well as regulatory tools concurrently, is needed to comply with both regulations.

Regulating artificial intelligence (AI) has become urgent, with countries proposing legislation to ensure responsible and safe application of AI to minimize potential harm. However, there is a lack of consensus on how to define AI, which poses a challenge for regulatory efforts. This article surveys the definitions of AI across multiple regulatory initiatives, including the ICO, EU AI Act, OECD, Canada’s Artificial Intelligence and Data Act, California’s proposed amendments, and more. While the definitions vary, they generally agree that AI systems have varying levels of autonomy, can have a variety of outputs, and require human involvement in defining objectives and providing input data.

The Australian government has published an interim response outlining their plans to regulate high-risk AI systems in the country. The response is guided by key principles including a risk-based approach, collaboration and transparency, and a community-centric approach. Specific measures proposed include mandatory guardrails, testing and transparency initiatives, an AI safety standard, and funding for AI initiatives to support adoption and development. The government aims to strike a balance between fostering innovation and protecting community interests, particularly privacy and security, while addressing potential harms caused by high-risk AI systems. The response reflects Australia's commitment to responsible AI practices and international cooperation.

There are various laws proposed at different levels of government in the US to regulate the use of AI and reduce potential harm. While many of these laws focus on sectors like HR and insurance, there is increasing attention to the use of AI in healthcare, which requires unique considerations and policies due to the novel risks it introduces. Some of the proposed AI laws in healthcare include the Better Mental Health Care for Americans Act, the Health Technology Act of 2023, and the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Response Act at the Federal level, and the Safe Patients Limit Act in Illinois and An act regulating the use of artificial intelligence in providing mental health services in Massachusetts at the State level. A law in Virginia regulating hospitals, nursing homes, and certified nursing facilities' use of intelligent personal assistants has already gone into effect. Additionally, the World Health Organization has published guidelines to ensure responsible AI practices in healthcare.

Autonomous Vehicles or Self-Driving Cars are estimated to generate between $300 and $400 billion in revenue by 2035, but concerns over safety persist. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) has identified five levels of autonomous capabilities, ranging from Momentary Driver Assistance to Full Automation. The federal law passed in 2017, the Safely Ensuring Lives Future Deployment and Research In Vehicle Evolution Act, paved the way for state-level legislation on autonomous vehicles. Many states have introduced their own autonomous vehicle laws, with some hitting the ground running in 2024. These laws set out conditions for an autonomous vehicle to operate, such as complying with traffic laws and submitting proof of financial responsibility. It is important to stay on top of these developments, and Holistic AI’s Global Tracker can help navigate the landscape with confidence.