Google, risks from facial recognition, we evaluate developments

"We see that facial recognition involves many risks, so there is a waiting period on our part until we see how it is used": so Google's CEO, Sundar Pichai, in Brussels, during a conference on artificial intelligence organized by the European think-tank Bruegel.

"It is important that governments work as soon as possible on regulations to deal with" the development and use of facial recognition, explained Pichai, intervening on the possibility of the EU being examined to introduce a five-year moratorium on the use of technology in public places in Europe, in order to evaluate its impact and risks. At the moment - highlighted the Mountain View CEO - Google does not offer generic facial recognition products because it is one of the "high risk applications" that governments should consider as a priority.

"I have no doubt that artificial intelligence must be regulated" by global standards, so "international alignment" even between the EU and the US "will be essential, we need an agreement on fundamental values". Google CEO Sundar Pichai said this during a conference on artificial intelligence (AI) organized by the European think-tank Bruegel. Pichai indicated the European data protection regulation as a model to be inspired by.

The EU must not "start from scratch, existing rules such as the Gdpr can form a solid basis" also for artificial intelligence, explained the CEO, who hopes for the development of "a reasonable regulatory framework" with "a proportionate approach ", capable of" balancing potential damage and social opportunities "of technology. "When there is regulation - added Pichai - there will be" special "bodies that will have control" of the use of AI. The Mountain View CEO met with EU vice-presidents Margrethe Vestager and Frans Timmermans, responsible for digital, competition and sustainability. For artificial intelligence regulation to "work well, we need to act together," said Pichai, urging for greater inclusion of the private sector in national projects and strengthening of cross-border alliances.