The EU Bans AI in Its Communications, a Controversial Choice

The EU Bans AI in Its Official Communications

In a significant move, the main institutions of the European Union, namely the Commission, the Parliament, and the Council, have decided to prohibit their communication teams from using videos and images that are entirely generated by artificial intelligence. This decision, reported by Politico, aims to restrict the use of AI to optimizing existing visual material, without creating content from scratch.

This ban aligns with the EU's desire to prioritize authenticity in its communications. However, this stance sharply contrasts with that of certain politicians, such as Donald Trump and the Hungarian Prime Minister, who do not hesitate to incorporate AI-generated content into their public communications.

Details of the Ban

The three European institutions have clearly expressed their position: the use of AI-generated videos and images is prohibited in official communications. Politico relayed the statements from these institutions, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in maintaining citizens' trust. Thomas Regnier, spokesperson for the Commission, clarified that AI can be used to enhance the quality of images, but not to create new ones.

The European Parliament has also established guidelines to guide its staff on the use of generative AI tools, stressing the need to remain vigilant regarding the potential risks associated with these technologies.

An International Contrast

This European approach stands in stark contrast to that adopted in the United States. According to the Poynter Institute, Donald Trump has used AI in 36 posts on his social media platform Truth Social since the beginning of his term. Among these posts is an image of himself as the Pope and an AI-generated video regarding his ambitions for the Gaza Strip.

In Europe, some governments are also not hesitant to exploit this technology. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently shared a video showing him dancing, created to raise awareness about the risks and opportunities of AI. Meanwhile, the Hungarian Prime Minister has used deepfake videos to criticize Brussels.

Criticism and Debate Surrounding the Ban

The EU's ban has not failed to provoke criticism. Experts have expressed their disagreement in comments to Politico. Walter Pasquarelli, an advisor at the OECD and a researcher at the University of Cambridge, emphasized that "responsible use outweighs abstinence." He added that the EU is missing an opportunity to demonstrate how responsible and transparent use of AI could be implemented in political communication.

Alexandru Voica from the British company Synthesia also criticized this decision, insisting on the importance of speed and efficiency in responses amid geopolitical crises. He mentioned that the EU could, through its own AI legislation, show how AI-generated content, properly labeled and marked, could be used transparently and responsibly. This approach could serve as a model for other entities seeking to balance technological innovation and authenticity.