The EU Artificial Intelligence Act: Regulating Subliminal AI Systems

AI and other innovative technologies hold great dangers, especially for the manipulation of the human mind. In 2021, the European Commission of the EU published a draft Act on Artificial Intelligence and UNESCO followed suit with a Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence. This book contextualises the future regulation of AI, specifically addressing the regulatory challenges relating to the planned prohibition of the use of AI systems that deploy subliminal techniques. Future innovations will enhance the possibilities for manipulating thoughts and behaviour, and they threaten to cause serious harm to individuals and society as a whole.

Format: Hardback
Length: 130 pages
Publication date: 15 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

AI, in combination with other innovative technologies, holds immense potential to transform various aspects of our lives. However, these advancements also come with significant risks, particularly in terms of their potential impact on human cognition and behavior. The manipulation of the human mind has raised serious ethical concerns, leading to calls for robust regulatory frameworks to ensure responsible and ethical use of AI.

While some sectoral regulatory efforts have been made, a comprehensive regulatory framework for AI has yet to be adopted globally. In 2021, the European Commission of the EU published a draft Act on Artificial Intelligence, and UNESCO followed suit with a Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence. These initiatives aim to address the ethical challenges posed by AI and provide guidance for its development and deployment.

The book under discussion contextualizes the future regulation of AI, specifically focusing on the regulatory challenges related to the planned prohibition of AI systems that deploy subliminal techniques. The convergence of AI with technologies such as brain-computer interfaces, functional magnetic resonance imaging, robotics, and big data enables mind reading or dream hacking through brain spyware. This raises concerns about the invasion of privacy and the potential for cognitive manipulation.

As AI continues to evolve and innovate, the possibilities for manipulating thoughts and behavior will increase, posing significant threats to individuals and society as a whole. Future innovations, such as brain-computer interfaces that can read and control our thoughts, have the potential to alter our perception of reality and undermine our free will. This raises important questions about the ethical boundaries of AI and the need for robust regulations to protect against unintended consequences.

The issue of subliminal perception and the ability to deceive and manipulate the mind below the threshold of awareness creates severe difficulties for law and democracy. It raises questions about the responsibility of AI developers and users, as well as the need for transparent and accountable practices. The book aims to stimulate a transdisciplinary and transnational debate between students, academics, practitioners, policymakers, and citizens interested in law, technology, and ethics. By bringing together diverse perspectives, we can explore the complex interplay between cognitive, technological, and legal questions and develop strategies to ensure the responsible and ethical development and deployment of AI.

In conclusion, the convergence of AI with other innovative technologies presents both opportunities and risks. While AI has the potential to revolutionize our lives and address pressing societal challenges, it is crucial to address the ethical concerns associated with its development and deployment. Robust regulatory frameworks, combined with ongoing transdisciplinary and transnational debates, are essential to ensure that AI is used for the benefit of humanity and in accordance with our values and principles.

Weight: 430g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032333755