EU Tech Chief Defends AI Act as Adequate to Counter Rogue AI Risk Amid Global Safety Concerns

EU Tech Chief Defends AI Regulations Amid Rogue AI Concerns

EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen has firmly defended the bloc's AI regulations, stating that the EU AI Act provides sufficient safeguards to fend off rogue AI risk despite mounting global concerns.1

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Her comments come as recent incidents at OpenAI and Anthropic have sparked worldwide fears that advanced AI systems may slip beyond human control. The European Commission has already taken action by sending requests for information in late August to more than 30 AI companies, demanding comprehensive details about their safety and security measures.2

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World's Strictest AI Regulations Cover Full AI Model Lifecycle

The EU AI Act, adopted two years ago, represents the world's strictest AI regulations and operates on a risk-based framework that governs artificial intelligence technology according to threat levels.3

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Virkkunen emphasized that "the safety and security of very capable models is a very hot topic internationally and we in Europe are well equipped for that." The comprehensive nature of these AI regulations covers the entire AI model lifecycle, from development through deployment and ongoing monitoring.1

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This approach enables regulators to mitigate risks from advanced AI at every stage, ensuring continuous oversight of evolving models.

Scientific Panel of 60 AI Experts Guides Safety Evaluations

Regulators are actively providing guidance to companies on conducting thorough safety evaluations of their models, including specific timeframes for assessment processes. A scientific panel comprising 60 AI experts from universities and institutions plays a critical role in shaping these recommendations.2

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This expert input ensures that AI safety and transparency requirements remain aligned with cutting-edge research and emerging threats. Henna Virkkunen dismissed criticism from some companies claiming the bloc's rules are outdated, arguing that legislators anticipated future developments by requiring ongoing risk assessments, external expert involvement, and continuous model monitoring.

European Commission Targets Big Tech Firms with Compliance Demands

The European Commission's information requests to over 30 AI companies extended beyond safety protocols to include questions about transparency and copyright obligations. These inquiries can trigger formal investigations that may result in non-compliance fines reaching up to 7% of a company's global annual turnover.1

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While the Commission has not publicly named the companies approached, Virkkunen confirmed she is currently assessing their responses. The substantial penalty structure signals the EU's commitment to enforcing its AI regulations against big tech firms, regardless of their market dominance or geographic origin.

Chinese AI Startups Also Under EU Regulatory Scrutiny

When questioned about Chinese AI startups, Virkkunen revealed that the Commission had "also sent requests for information to them," acknowledging that the "most capable models" currently available come from the United States and China.3

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She noted that all these capable models pose new kinds of risks requiring heightened awareness. This inclusive approach demonstrates the EU's intention to apply its regulatory framework uniformly across all market participants, regardless of origin. The focus on both Western and Chinese developers reflects recognition that rogue AI risk transcends national boundaries and requires consistent oversight of all advanced AI systems operating within European markets.

Digital Levy Debate Continues as EU Seeks Budget Solutions

On the question of whether the bloc should impose a digital levy—which would primarily affect big US tech companies—Virkkunen indicated the decision rests with EU governments currently discussing new financing sources for the EU budget covering 2028 to 2034.2

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This potential digital levy represents another dimension of the EU's broader strategy to regulate and financially benefit from technology companies operating within its jurisdiction. The timing of these budget discussions coincides with intensified scrutiny of AI companies, suggesting the EU may leverage its regulatory position to secure additional revenue streams while simultaneously enforcing compliance with the AI Act's safety and transparency mandates.