Society regulates motor cars, addictive drugs, waste disposal, nuclear power plants, drones that might crash into aeroplanes, automatic rifles, the cleanliness of restaurant kitchens, and much more besides. One motivation for these regulations is to limit the harms that might arise from misuse of technologies. However, regulations themselves can cause harm - stifling innovation, blocking beneficial products and services, pushing areas of the economy underground, and distorting the pubic perception of the true capabilities of various technologies.

These general problems with regulation are coming to the fore with the rise of AI systems that are increasingly powerful, increasingly opaque, and increasingly connected, thereby raising questions of privacy, security, fairness, and control.

In April 2021, in this complex situation, the European Commission presented its proposals for what has become known as the EU AI Act, specifying harmonised rules for the development and deployment of AI. Once passed, this act will have repercussions worldwide. The Act has its champions and also its critics. Numerous amendments have been proposed and debates continue.

To share expert guidance on the issues arising from the EU AI Act, this live London Futurists webinar features Professor Patrick Glauner. Patrick's advice on subjects such as data management and the regulation of AI is in frequent demand by parliamentary bodies and commercial companies throughout Europe.

We'll be looking into the significant challenges and opportunities of governing a fast-changing multi-purpose technology.