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5th Annual Brussels Privacy Virtual Symposium 2021

Nov 16, 2021 | Events

5th Annual Brussels Privacy Virtual Symposium 2021 – Introducing the Age of AI Regulation: Global Strategic Directions

 

On November 16, 2021, the fifth iteration of the Brussels Privacy Symposium, “The Age of AI Regulation: Global Strategic Directions”, will occur as a virtual international meeting where policymakers, academic researchers, and civil society will discuss how the EU and other jurisdictions around the world envision fostering the deployment of, but also addressing the fundamental rights risks posed by, artificial intelligence (AI) systems through regulation.

 

The use of AI systems in several sectors of society is seemingly becoming ubiquitous. Media reports on and legal challenges against consumer-, employee- and taxpayer-facing algorithms have shed light on innovative (and often abusive) practices implemented by State and private actors. While some national and regional data protection and sectoral laws already place restrictions on players wishing to use AI-based solutions, legislators are expected to tackle specific challenges brought by such technologies in AI-focused diplomas.

 

Earlier this year, the European Commission proposed what is regarded as the first comprehensive legal framework for AI systems, which is generally centered around ensuring such systems function properly and with appropriate human oversight. This approach – which also includes prohibiting certain intolerably risky AI practices – may serve as an inspiration for other policy makers in the future. But some others may be planning different approaches to AI regulation, in accordance with their local customs, traditions, legal systems and economic priorities.

 

In this year’s Brussels Privacy Symposium (which will take place online), leading rulemakers, lawyers, academics and civil society representatives will discuss the merits and potential flaws of the EU’s and other jurisdictions’ approaches to AI regulation, and see whether common global principles exist or need further development.

 

Opening panel: The EU’s Road to an AI Act: views from the co-legislators

The European Commission’s April 2021 proposal for a Regulation aiming at harmonized rules across the EU for AI sent shockwaves throughout the continent and beyond. Materializing one of the Von der Leyen Commission’s priorities, it lays down a European approach to AI, which includes “ensuring that AI works for people and is a force for good in society”. Civil society organizations and other stakeholders, including the European Data Protection Board and Supervisor, have recommended the EU legislature to push further towards the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights against algorithmic harms. On the other hand, businesses have lauded the text’s proposed risk-based approach but asked for greater clarification of the roles and responsibilities of AI “providers” and “users”. In this session, EU lawmakers will weigh in on whether the proposed draft of the Regulation is fit to promote trustworthy AI in Europe, the expected timelines and areas of tension during upcoming negotiations and the feedback received during the Commission’s public consultation. 

 

Panel 1: Global comparative discussion on approaches to AI regulation, governance and oversight

States and international organizations are advancing strategies and frameworks to manage the future of AI systems’ use in the private and public sectors. Some of the approaches that are surfacing diverge substantially on the number of obligations imposed on AI developers and users and on their governance and supervision structures. In this session, speakers will explore AI regulation models other than the EU’s, notably the ones proposed or adopted in other leading or emerging economies. To what extent do existing laws around the world already significantly limit the design and use of these systems, including with an extraterritorial impact? And where is it possible to find regulatory convergence towards a globally relevant set of principles and rules governing AI?

 

Panel 2: Should certain uses of AI be banned? 

Are there any AI uses or applications that should be subject to a regulatory moratorium or outright ban? If so, what should make the cut? In this session, speakers will share their thoughts on the matter, starting from the list of prohibited AI practices advanced by the European Commission’s AI Regulation proposal. Some undertakings that replied to the Commission’s public consultation have asked for clarifications on the proposed prohibited practices, which they believe should be limited. On the other hand, commentators and NGOs have pointed towards the use of automated facial recognition technologies in public spaces and leveraging AI systems to (arguably) detect people’s emotions and gender as practices to which the EU should devote further prohibitions. But could very comprehensive bans negatively impact the ability of benevolent researchers and healthcare providers to deliver better outcomes for patients (in particular) and society (in general)?

 

Confirmed speakers

  • Jules Polonetsky, FPF
  • Christopher Kuner, VUB/LSTS
  • Gianclaudio Malgieri, EDHEC Augmented Law Institute (Lille), VUB/LSTS
  • Gabriela Zanfir-Fortuna, FPF, VUB/LSTS
  • Brando Benifei, European Parliament, AIA Rapporteur, S&D
  • Lucilla Sioli, European Commission, Director of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Industry, DG CONNECT

  • Simon Chesterman, National University of Singapore Faculty of Law

  • Luca Belli, FGV

  • Audrey Plonk, OECD

  • Elham Tabassi, NIST
  • Ivana Bartoletti, Women Leading in AI network

  • Frank Pasquale, Brooklyn School of Law

  • Theodore Christakis, University Grenoble Alpes

  • Ursula Pachl, BEUC

  • Cornelia Kutterer, Microsoft

 

A detailed agenda and speakers’ bios are available. 

 

You can read the Brussels Privacy Symposium 2021 here.