The “human-centric” approach to AI has gained traction in international technology governance and diplomacy. However, while it is today explicitly stated as the foundation of multiple AI governance frameworks and principles worldwide, there is still no consistent pathway, nor a definitional grounding work that frames the human-centric approach to AI.
This report has been developed for the purpose of defining and clarifying the key features of the EU’s human-centric approach to AI.
The EU’s Human-Centric Approach:
The approach is a broad framework for AI governance engaging not only with AI technology design, but also with the broader societal and political narratives that shape AI governance at a global level, and with the rule of law as a basic tenant in national and regional scenarios.
It has different, interconnected meanings:
In law, it is…
- the world’s first AI regulation – a risk-based legal framework balancing and assessing on an ongoing basis the progresses and benefits of AI against their potential risks to individuals and society.
In ethics and values, it is…
- a condition for the human responsibility enhanced by ‘Responsible AI’ and for ‘Trustworthy AI’ technology design (adhering to the ALTAI requirements Human Agency and Oversight; Technical Robustness and Safety; Privacy and Data Governance; Transparency; Diversity, Non-discrimination and Fairness; Environmental and Societal well-being; and Accountability);
- promoting the core ethical values inscribed in the European Charter of Fundamental Rights (2009), the AI Strategy (2018), The AI Coordinated Plan Review (2021), the risk-based approach of the AI Act (proposal 2021, adopted 2024), the Declaration on European Digital Rights and Principles (2022) and the EU High-Level Expert Group on AI’s Ethics Guidelines and Assessment List (2019);
- addressing the specific characteristics of AI risks, such as opacity, complexity, dependency on data and autonomous agency that can adversely affect fundamental rights.
In direction it is…
- guiding the direction of AI to improve and benefit humanity as a whole, and not the few;
- prioritising human welfare and flourishing over the economic success of an AI system.
In history, it is…
- responding to the increasing awareness of the ethical implications of the evolution of digital technologies, big data and pervasive networked environments expressed in policy and regulatory frameworks for data protection, AI and the digital market in the EU since the 1990s.
In sum, the policy relevance of the human-centric approach to AI for global governance is vital as an intangible underpinning of the contemporary digital infrastructures, streamlining digital initiatives in the Global Gateway efforts as a distinctive feature of the EU’s approach and commitment to the strengthening of multilateralism.
Authors: Carolina Aguerre and Gry Hasselbalch
Published by DataEthics.eu – Research/Academic
Acknowledgment and Disclaimer
This document was prepared by Carolina Aguerre and Gry Hasselbalch with valuable input from Gianluca Misuraca. It is based on a report conducted for InTouchAI.eu under the European Commission’s Service Contract EuropeAid/140361/DH/SER/Multi-PI/2020/418-042 funded by the Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI). The information and views set out in this report are those of the experts and do not reflect the official opinion of the European Commission, which does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this study. Neither the European Commission nor any person acting on its behalf may be held responsible for the use which may be made of the information contained therein.
The information and views set out in this report are those of the authors.