Everyone\u2019s worried AI will take their job. Europe is more concerned it could take a toll on our health.<\/p>\n
While the US still lacks comprehensive federal rules governing artificial intelligence, the European Union is rolling out sweeping regulations this week designed to protect people from AI systems that manipulate, exploit or harm users.<\/p>\n
The EU Artificial Intelligence Act<\/a> \u2014 the world\u2019s first comprehensive AI law \u2014 has been phased in since 2024. And a major provision took effect yesterday, August 2, applying rules to high-risk AI systems used in regulated products such as medical devices, machinery and toys.<\/p>\n Europe is tightening AI rules to protect users from technology that could threaten health. zigres \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n The law classifies AI into four risk categories \u2014 unacceptable risk, high risk, limited risk and minimal risk \u2014 with protecting people\u2019s health and well-being central to its approach.<\/p>\n \u201cThe AI Act ensures that Europeans can trust what AI has to offer,\u201d the European Commission said<\/a> on its website. \u201cWhile most AI systems pose limited to no risk and can contribute to solving many societal challenges, certain AI systems create risks that we must address to avoid undesirable outcomes.\u201d<\/p>\n Among the practices now effectively banned are AI systems that use manipulation, deception or exploitation to influence people\u2019s behavior in ways that could cause significant harm.<\/p>\n That includes AI that deploys subliminal or deliberately deceptive techniques that undermine a person\u2019s autonomy, as well as systems that exploit vulnerabilities linked to age, disability or socioeconomic status.<\/p>\n The EU says those prohibitions are intended to prevent people from being reduced to \u201cmere tools for achieving certain ends\u201d and to better protect those most susceptible to manipulation.<\/p>\n But what does that harm actually look like?<\/p>\n \u201cRisks of depression, anxiety, body dysmorphia, addiction, self-harm, and suicide may all be amplified by AI exploitation of vulnerable people.\u201d<\/p>\n Dr. Nathan Carroll<\/p>\n The hidden health risks<\/p>\n Some experts say the dangers aren\u2019t always obvious. Subliminal cues can activate the body\u2019s stress response before the conscious mind even processes what\u2019s happening.<\/p>\n \u201cI witnessed this same cortisol and adrenaline pathway firing in a patient\u2019s body during a cardiac emergency in the ER years ago,\u201d Alexander Acosta<\/a> told The Post.<\/p>\n A physician with clinical experience in primary care, emergency medicine and intensive care across Ecuador\u2019s public health system, Acosta said the hormonal response he saw in emergency patients mirrors the type of physical harm the EU\u2019s provisions are designed to prevent when AI continuously manipulates or overstimulates users.<\/p>\n Experts warn that subtle AI manipulation may have lasting effects on mental well-being and the body\u2019s stress response. issaronow \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n