On January 23, 2020, the European Parliament’s Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee approved a resolution on artificial intelligence (“AI”) and automated decision-making (“ADM”). The resolution references several major pieces of work carried out by the European Commission on AI and provides a list of existing EU instruments that are relevant to AI and ADM — which together present a potential roadmap of areas of reform.

The resolution was approved in committee by 39 votes in favor, none against and four abstentions. It will next be voted on by the full Parliament in an upcoming plenary session. If adopted, it will be transmitted to the EU Council and the Commission for consideration. The Commission’s Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager is expected to present plans for a European approach to AI in a Commission meeting on February 19, 2020.

Among other things, the resolution states that:

  • When consumers interact with virtual assistants and chatbots, they should be informed about how the system functions, how to reach a human with decision-making powers, and how the system’s decisions can be checked and corrected;
  • A risk-based approach to regulation should be taken, in light of the varied nature and complexity of the challenges created by different types of AI and ADM;
  • ADM systems should use “high-quality and unbiased datasets” and “explainable and unbiased” algorithms; and
  • Businesses should have internal review structures to remedy mistakes in automated decisions, and that consumers should be able to seek human review of, and redress for, automated decisions that are final and permanent.

The resolution also stresses the importance of examining the current EU legal framework — in particular, in the fields of consumer protection, data protection, and product safety and market surveillance. Among the specific EU measures highlighted are:

  • Better Enforcement Directive (Directive (EU) 2019/2161) — the resolution urges the Commission to closely monitor the implementation of the Diretive’s new rules requiring traders to inform consumers when prices of goods or services have been personalized on the basis of ADM, and when the profiling of consumer behavior allows traders to assess the consumer’s purchasing power.
  • Alternative and Online Dispute Resolution (Directive 2013/11/EU and Regulation (EU) No 524/2013) — the resolution calls on the Commission that any upcoming review of the Directive or Regulation on alternative and online dispute resolution for consumer disputes takes into account the use of ADM and ensures that humans remain in control.
  • Specific Product Safety Rules (e.g., Machinery Directive, Toy Safety Directive, General Product Safety Directive, etc.) the resolution calls on the Commission to adapt product safety rules so as to ensure that they provide clarity to manufacturers about their obligations, and that users have clarity on how to use products with ADM capabilities.
  • Product Liability Directive (Council Directive 85/374/EEC) — the resolution urges the Commission to review the Product Liability Directive and consider updating concepts such as “product”, “damage” and “defect” and the burden of proof, if necessary, to take into account products using AI and ADM.
  • Proportionality Test Directive (Directive (EU) 2018/958) the resolution stresses the importance of properly assessing the risks before automating professional services.

We anticipate further clarity on the European approach to AI regulation in the coming weeks and months. Stay tuned for further updates.

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Photo of Lisa Peets Lisa Peets

Lisa Peets leads the Technology Regulatory and Policy practice in the London office and is a member of the firm’s Management Committee. Lisa divides her time between London and Brussels, and her practice embraces regulatory counsel and legislative advocacy. In this context, she…

Lisa Peets leads the Technology Regulatory and Policy practice in the London office and is a member of the firm’s Management Committee. Lisa divides her time between London and Brussels, and her practice embraces regulatory counsel and legislative advocacy. In this context, she has worked closely with leading multinationals in a number of sectors, including many of the world’s best-known technology companies.

Lisa counsels clients on a range of EU law issues, including data protection and related regimes, copyright, e-commerce and consumer protection, and the rapidly expanding universe of EU rules applicable to existing and emerging technologies. Lisa also routinely advises clients in and outside of the technology sector on trade related matters, including EU trade controls rules.

According to the latest edition of Chambers UK (2022), “Lisa is able to make an incredibly quick legal assessment whereby she perfectly distils the essential matters from the less relevant elements.” “Lisa has subject matter expertise but is also able to think like a generalist and prioritise. She brings a strategic lens to matters.”

Photo of Marty Hansen Marty Hansen

Martin Hansen has represented some of the world’s leading information technology, telecommunications, and pharmaceutical companies on a broad range of cutting edge international trade, intellectual property, and competition issues. Martin has extensive experience in advising clients on matters arising under the World Trade…

Martin Hansen has represented some of the world’s leading information technology, telecommunications, and pharmaceutical companies on a broad range of cutting edge international trade, intellectual property, and competition issues. Martin has extensive experience in advising clients on matters arising under the World Trade Organization agreements, treaties administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization, bilateral and regional free trade agreements, and other trade agreements.

Drawing on ten years of experience in Covington’s London and DC offices his practice focuses on helping innovative companies solve challenges on intellectual property and trade matters before U.S. courts, the U.S. government, and foreign governments and tribunals. Martin also represents software companies and a leading IT trade association on electronic commerce, Internet security, and online liability issues.

Photo of Sam Jungyun Choi Sam Jungyun Choi

Sam Jungyun Choi is an associate in the technology regulatory group in the London office. Her practice focuses on European data protection law and new policies and legislation relating to innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence, online platforms, digital health products and autonomous…

Sam Jungyun Choi is an associate in the technology regulatory group in the London office. Her practice focuses on European data protection law and new policies and legislation relating to innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence, online platforms, digital health products and autonomous vehicles. She also advises clients on matters relating to children’s privacy and policy initiatives relating to online safety.

Sam advises leading technology, software and life sciences companies on a wide range of matters relating to data protection and cybersecurity issues. Her work in this area has involved advising global companies on compliance with European data protection legislation, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the UK Data Protection Act, the ePrivacy Directive, and related EU and global legislation. She also advises on a variety of policy developments in Europe, including providing strategic advice on EU and national initiatives relating to artificial intelligence, data sharing, digital health, and online platforms.