Five Recent Developments in Artificial Intelligence: Amazon’s E-Book Regulations, Europe’s AI Regulation Leadership, and More

Let’s take a look at today’s roundup of news: Amazon has introduced new rules requiring disclosure for e-books that contain AI-generated content. eBay has also unveiled a tool powered by artificial intelligence, making product listings easier for sellers. The European Federation of Journalists and ACT have joined Reporters Without Borders’ AI charter project, focusing on the media industry. Additionally, Google will now require disclosure of AI-generated content in political advertisements.

1. Amazon implements AI-generated content disclosure rules for e-books

Amazon.com has begun requiring authors using its e-book program to disclose whether their work contains material generated by artificial intelligence. The move comes after the Authors Guild and others complained that they feared AI-generated books could overshadow traditional works and cheat consumers. The Authors Guild sees this as a positive step towards transparency and accountability in AI-generated content. However, according to a CNBC report, Amazon currently does not publicly identify books that contain AI material. This policy may change later.

2. eBay introduces an AI-powered tool for effortless product listing

eBay has introduced an innovative AI tool that simplifies product listings by generating descriptions, titles and more from a single product image. Originally available for iOS users, this image-based listing tool streamlines the process, with AI even suggesting prices and shipping costs, according to a ZDNET report. eBay is working to expand this feature to a wider audience, making it easier for sellers to list, especially for those unfamiliar with the process.

3. The European Federation of Journalists and ACT join RSF’s media artificial intelligence charter project

The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) and the Confederation of European Commercial Television and Video Services (ACT) have joined Reporters Without Borders (RSF), which aims to create an artificial intelligence charter for media regulation. This initiative, now supported by 18 media organizations, aims to protect the integrity of news and information in the age of artificial intelligence. According to the RSF report, EFJ, ACT and the Thomson Foundation are the latest partners in this project, working together to create ethical guidelines for the use of AI in the media.

4. Google obliges to disclose artificial intelligence content in political ads

Starting in November, Google will require political ads to clearly state the use of synthetic content, including images or videos generated by artificial intelligence. This new rule aims to prevent misleading representations in political advertising and comes as artificial intelligence technology advances, raising concerns about the potential for election misinformation. According to a CNN Business report, the policy update covers image, video and audio content and is especially important as the 2024 US presidential election season approaches.

5. Europe leads AI regulation amid growing geopolitical risk

As geopolitical tensions rise globally, Europe stands out for its proactive approach to AI regulation. The continent’s focus on managing AI, exemplified by the EU’s AI law, contrasts with the relatively low interest of European companies in geopolitics. Recent geopolitical events such as Brexit, the US-China trade war and rising inflation have made markets more vulnerable to geopolitical risks, challenging the previously stable investment landscape, according to a Forbes report.