Europe Boosts Public Funding For AI And Makes Ethics A Priority

The law and ethics of artificial intelligence is increasingly getting the attention at the highest levels. Governments and industry recognize the immediate and practical potential of AI to fuel significant financial growth. In April 2018 the UK government and the European Commission (EC) each released their respective strategies on AI with a significant commitment of public funds and a unique approach to managing the forthcoming technology revolution. The UK Policy Paper is entitled the " AI Sector Deal", while the EC's communication is entitled " Artificial Intelligence for Europe". A month earlier, the French government released its 150-page report, "For a Meaningful Artificial Intelligence: Towards a French and European Strategy" along with an announcement of €1.5 billion in R&D funding. Despite some differences between the strategies, they all share a similar concern for ethics governing AI development and the growth of a globally competitive European AI industry.