Opinion: European AI Act must be expanded to protect Palestinians

This month, the European Union AI Act came into force, aimed at fostering "responsible artificial intelligence development and deployment in the EU".

Adopted earlier this year, the act was praised as a major step forward in regulating artificial intelligence. It aims to reduce the risks posed by AI systems, banning those deemed too dangerous and enforcing strict safeguards for high-risk applications.

But while this legislation seeks to protect citizens within the EU, it falls short of addressing the international implications, particularly regarding AI technologies used in Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories and the ongoing genocide in Gaza, where AI is being deployed for surveillance, targeted strikes and population control.

READ MORE: European AI Act must be expanded to protect Palestinians, opinion by Taysir Mathlouthi