New Regulatory Measures on AI
The European Commission plans to introduce new rules aimed at regulating the environmental consequences of artificial intelligence systems through secondary legislation tied to the existing AI Act. This initiative arose during an online Commission event, where officials highlighted the urgent need to address the substantial energy consumption associated with general-purpose AI systems, particularly large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, Bard, and Gemini.
Emphasis on Energy Tracking
Laura Jugel, a legal officer at the Commission’s AI Office, emphasized the importance of tracking the energy used in training these models. She noted that companies employing GPAI technologies should begin monitoring their energy use to better understand the associated environmental impacts. Furthermore, standard-setting bodies are being asked to develop methodologies for comparable documentation, which will help alleviate the financial burden on businesses.
Building Methodologies for Regulation
Kilian Gross, head of unit at the Office, mentioned that once a standardized methodology for assessing energy consumption is established, it can be incorporated into a delegated act. This act will form part of the regulatory framework under the AI Act, which became effective in August 2023. The new regulations for providers of GPAI models are set to take effect in August 2025, reflecting a commitment to a risk-based and human-centered approach to AI governance.
Challenges in Measuring Impact
Irina Orssich, responsible for AI policy within the Commission, acknowledged that discussions on AI’s energy consumption arose during negotiations with the European Parliament and national governments. However, difficulties in quantifying this impact made it challenging to establish legally measurable benchmarks. Despite this, Orssich indicated that the Commission is striving to identify metrics that could support regulations while emphasizing the necessity of considering environmental effects.
Current Obligations and Future Developments
Under the existing AI Act, providers of general-purpose AI currently face minimal obligations related to energy consumption, mostly revolving around record-keeping. Generally, estimates are accepted as adequate substitutes for precise measurements. Nevertheless, companies must also account for both direct and indirect environmental harm and report these findings to market authorities. The forthcoming regulations aim to enhance accountability and foster a more sustainable AI landscape in Europe.
SOURCE: Ref Image from Wilmer Hale
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