Regulation of Artificial Intelligence – CEPOL takes part in virtual conference

CEPOL Head of Operations, Ms Mailis Pukonen, attended yesterday the virtual conference Regulation of artificial Intelligence - Ethical and Fundamental Rights Aspects / European Union and International Perspective, hosted by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Slovenia, within the framework of the Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

The implications of AI on fundamental rights are currently an important topic of discussion at the national and international level. Developing a specific legal framework that will regulate AI in order to ensure that the use of this technology will have a human-centric approach, aiming to serve the public good, is crucial for the future of AI. For years, the European Commission has been facilitating and enhancing cooperation on AI across the EU to boost its competitiveness and ensure trust based on EU values. In April 2021, the European Commission presented its proposal of the first-ever legal framework on AI and a new Coordinated Plan with Member States.

The virtual conference offered participants an online space to discuss ethical questions related to AI and underline the need for a special emphasis on the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms when regulating AI. During the event, the progress made by the CAHAI - Ad hoc Committee on Artificial Intelligence of the Council of Europe in preparing elements for the Council of Europe legal framework was also presented, giving participants the opportunity to compare the approaches of both standard-setters, the EU and the Council of Europe. Other international organisations were also invited to present their vision and work alongside with views from key stakeholders defending human rights in the context of AI.

On the occasion of the conference, Ms Pukonen stated:

'The Agency recognises the important role that AI will play in the future, as it is expected to have a significant impact on the work of law enforcement, influencing police models and activities. We need to respond to these developments by offering training opportunities to EU law enforcement officers so that they understand and learn to use these new AI tools, while ensuring the protection of fundamental rights, a key element in all CEPOL training activities. CEPOL is ready to meet this challenge, and has already incorporated AI-related training in its portfolio. The agency will further adapt its offer, based on the needs and developments in the field'.