Welcome back to The Measure Monthly!

Today, we’re bringing you a legislation special – diving into three new acts that could have a big impact on the future of AI, electric vehicles and data sharing.

Does the EU's new AI Act go far enough? 🤖

Earlier this month, the European Parliament passed the Artificial Intelligence Act by a wide majority, with 523 of its 705 members voting in favor. 

Hailed as the world’s first major effort to regulate AI, the legislation takes a risk-based approach to services and products that use AI. 

Brando Benifei, the key legislator who worked on the act, celebrated the decision in parliament, saying “We finally have the world’s first binding law on artificial intelligence, to reduce risks, create opportunities, combat discrimination, and bring transparency.”

But others worry that the AI Act is too favorable to industry interests, and there are concerns it sets a bad precedent for other countries.

According to Laura Lazaro Cabrera, from the Center for Democracy and Technology, “For those advocating for human rights, the AI Act is a mixed bag. Whilst we can rightly celebrate that privacy and other human rights are foregrounded in the law, there are too many exemptions that could lead to harmful AI systems posing serious risks to citizens, particularly those in vulnerable situations, such as at borders.”

The process of actually implementing the law still has a long way to go, giving companies time to work out how to comply.

Do you think the Act goes far enough? Find out more and make your mind up.

How will the EPA’s new legislation impact the EV transition? 🚘

Last week, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced new legislation to accelerate EV adoption.

The rules don’t specifically require automakers to sell electric cars, but they set such strict limits on tailpipe pollution that by 2032, more than half of all car sales are likely to be zero emissions. And according to the EPA:

💨 The regulation will avoid more than 7 billion tons of CO₂ emissions over the next 30 years

💨 Drivers will save $6,000 over the life of a car because they’ll be paying less for fuel and maintenance

💨 The cuts in air pollution will provide around $13 billion in annual health benefits

The move is being celebrated as one of the most significant climate rules in US history, and a “win for public health, for the environment and for the future of our country”.

But how much of an impact will the legislation have? Find out more here.

How will the European Data Act transform the way data is used and shared? 🔐

Last but not least, we get to the European Data Act which has officially entered into force – ready to transform the way data from connected devices is shared and used. 

The initiative addresses some of the key challenges and opportunities brought about by data, with a focus on fair access, user rights, and the protection of personal data. 

There are a lot of new measures involved, all with the goal of:

🔐 Increasing legal certainty 

🔐 Stopping unfair contract terms

🔐 Increasing data sharing with the public sector and third parties

🔐 Progressing interoperability

🔐 Improving transparency

If you want to know how the legislation will impact you, you can read more here.