EU Seeks Input on Data Use in AI

EU Seeks Input on Data Use for AI Development

The European Commission has launched a public consultation to gather feedback on data use in Artificial Intelligence (AI), with a focus on simplifying data rules and facilitating international data flows. This initiative is a critical step in shaping the upcoming Data Union Strategy, which aims to strengthen the EU's position as a global leader in AI innovation.

The Data Union Strategy: A Foundation for AI Growth

The Data Union Strategy is designed to create high-quality, interoperable datasets that are essential for advancing AI technologies. By ensuring coherence among data policies, infrastructures, and legal instruments, the EU aims to build a robust framework that supports the development of generative AI and other cutting-edge applications. This strategy builds on previous efforts to facilitate trusted cross-border data flows and foster trust in data sharing among member states.

"The Data Union Strategy is not just about data; it's about empowering Europe to lead in the AI revolution," said President Ursula von der Leyen. "By leveraging our collective data resources, we can drive innovation, support generative AI, and ensure that Europe remains at the forefront of technological progress."

Key Objectives of the Data Union Strategy

The strategy focuses on several key objectives to enhance the EU's AI ecosystem:

• Simplifying data rules to reduce regulatory burdens and encourage innovation.
• Facilitating international data flows to support collaboration and data sharing across borders.
• Creating common data spaces linked to the AI ecosystem to ensure interoperability and accessibility.
• Building trust in data sharing through robust security and privacy measures.

These objectives are part of a broader vision to make Europe a global hub for AI development, attracting investment, talent, and innovation from around the world.

Call for Feedback from Stakeholders

The European Commission is inviting feedback from academia, researchers, and industry stakeholders to shape the Data Union Strategy. The consultation, which is open until 18 July, seeks input on the challenges and opportunities related to data use in AI. This collaborative approach ensures that the strategy reflects the needs and priorities of the entire AI community.

"We encourage all stakeholders to participate in this consultation," said a Commission spokesperson. "Your insights will help us create a Data Union Strategy that drives innovation, supports generative AI, and strengthens Europe's AI leadership."

The Role of Data in Generative AI

Generative AI, which relies on large datasets to create new content, is a key focus of the Data Union Strategy. By ensuring access to high-quality, interoperable datasets, the EU aims to support the development of advanced generative AI models that can drive innovation across industries. This includes applications in healthcare, manufacturing, and creative industries, where generative AI is already transforming processes and outcomes.

"Generative AI has the potential to revolutionize industries, but it requires access to robust datasets," said an AI expert involved in the consultation. "The Data Union Strategy is a critical step in ensuring that Europe has the data infrastructure needed to lead in this rapidly evolving field."

Building Trust in Data Sharing

One of the primary challenges in AI development is building trust in data sharing. The Data Union Strategy aims to address this by implementing strong security and privacy measures that protect data while enabling innovation. By fostering a culture of trust, the EU hopes to encourage more data sharing among member states and with international partners.

"Trust is the foundation of data sharing," said a Commission official. "We are committed to creating a secure and transparent framework that ensures data is used responsibly and ethically."

Looking Ahead: Europe's AI Leadership

The Data Union Strategy is part of Europe's broader ambition to become a global leader in AI. By simplifying data rules, facilitating international data flows, and supporting generative AI development, the EU aims to create an environment where innovation can thrive. This vision aligns with Europe's commitment to ethical AI, ensuring that technological progress is balanced with respect for privacy, security, and human rights.

"Europe has the talent, the technology, and the ambition to lead in AI," said President von der Leyen. "The Data Union Strategy is our roadmap to achieving this goal, and we invite the world to join us on this journey."