Croatian tech experts discuss the difficulties of regulating AI

The European Union is expected to adopt is first regulation on artificial intelligence by the end of the year. The potential benefits and risks of AI were at the heart of a European town hall hosted by Croatian Radio on Wednesday.

AI is developing at a rapid pace and the technology has the potential to bring great benefits but also unpredictable, possibly dangerous, consequences. As we've seen with ChatGPT in recent months, AI is developing so rapidly that even AI experts can't keep up. This complicates the process of regulation which tends to be slow. Regulation is further complicated by the fact that AI development could have unforeseen consequences and it is difficult to regulate what one cannot predict, says Croatian MEP Karlo Ressler, who's working on this issue in the European Parliament.

"We must adopt some kind of rules and this is difficult for a technology that is changing rapidly. We mustn't fall too far behind where society is on this," said Ressler.

The founder of the private college Algebra, Hrvoje Balen, says AI can greatly improve human productivity.

"These are all technologies that offer enormous benefits to our lives if we use them correctly and maximize their potential," said Balen.

Not all experts agree on whether AI is dangerous.

"Just like any other technology is not a direct threat to the human race. Everything can be used for good or evil. It is up to us to choose," said Marjana Šarolić Robić from CRO-Start Up.

AI researcher Aco Momčilović disagrees.

"Many AI experts fear that it could slip out of our control and become a technology capable of advancement and development on its own,” Momčilović said.

Although it is unclear where we are headed with AI, Momčilović believes the consequences of social media, which use algorithms and AI and for which data is now available, indicate that there are lessons to be learned from the negative trends that have been identified.