Europe unveils plan to become ‘AI continent’

The European Commission has unveiled its so-called “AI Continent Action Plan,” which aims to “transform Europe’s strong traditional industries and its exceptional talent pool into powerful engines of AI innovation and acceleration.” The EU has faced criticisms from tech leaders that its regulations on everything from AI to taxation hinder innovation and make it more difficult for start-ups to operate across the region. The bloc will also create a new AI Act Service Desk to help regional firms comply with its landmark AI law. “The AI Act raises citizens’ trust in technology and provides investors and entrepreneurs with the legal certainty they need to scale up and deploy AI throughout Europe,” the Commission said, adding the AI Act Service Desk will “serve as the central point of contact and hub for information and guidance” on the rules.