EU’s AI Regulation Approaches and Their Implication for Human Rights

Abstract

The rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies presents significant opportunities, but also introduces critical challenges, particularly concerning the protection of human rights. In response, the European Union (EU) has developed comprehensive AI regulations, most notably the AI Act, positioning itself as a leader in global AI governance. However, questions remain regarding the effectiveness of these laws in safeguarding key human rights such as privacy, equality, autonomy, and freedom. This study aims to assess the sufficiency of the EU’s current AI regulations in protecting human rights, analyze the specific impacts of AI technologies on privacy and equality, and explore emerging legal trends in AI regulation within the EU and their broader global implications. Utilizing a mixed-method approach, this research integrates legislative analysis, comparative research, scientific forecasting, and interdisciplinary inquiry. The study critically examines the provisions of the AI Act and other relevant EU regulations, comparing them with international legal frameworks to identify gaps and future challenges. The findings reveal that, while the EU’s AI regulations offer foundational protections, there are significant deficiencies in addressing complex issues such as privacy, algorithmic bias, and transparency, particularly in high-risk areas like healthcare, law enforcement, and autonomous systems. The study also highlights that existing regulations are inadequate in managing the rapid integration of AI technologies across sectors and that marginalized groups are especially vulnerable to the risks posed by algorithmic decision-making systems. Furthermore, the EU’s AI regulatory framework is poised to become a global benchmark, but there is an urgent need for more adaptive and flexible legal mechanisms to keep pace with the dynamic nature of AI advancements. In conclusion, the study emphasizes the need for legal reforms to bridge the current gaps in privacy protection and address algorithmic bias, ensuring the robust protection of human rights in the age of AI.