[FSFE PR][EN] European Parliament votes for Free Software in AI resolution – This position must now be included in the AI regulation

[press at fsfe.org]

 = European Parliament votes for Free Software in AI resolution – This position must now be included in the AI regulation =

[ Read online: https://fsfe.org/news/2022/news-20220503-01.en.html ]

Today the European Parliament passed a resolution on Artificial
Intelligence (AI) with a huge majority of 495 votes in favor, 34 against
and 102 abstentions. There are many references to the advantages of Free
Software included in the text - the FSFE now urges the Parliament to
transfer its own position into the AI regulation.

The resolution states that in public procurement Free Software should be
mandated, where appropriate, with the goal to encourage cross border
collaboration. The parliament also highlights the importance of Free
Software as a way to enhance investments and boost innovation in AI
technologies in the EU.

/"We welcome the assessment and the demands of the European Parliament.
With this resolution, the Parliament recognises the importance and
relevance of Free Software for AI." explains Lina Ceballos, FSFE Project
Manager./  The FSFE demands with its "Public Money? Public Code!"
Initiative that publicly financed software made publicly available under
a Free Software licence. It is also important to rely on Free Software
in AI as it helps to foster innovation, boosts local economy, ensures
transparency and thus helps to protect fundamental rights.

/“We ask Members of the European Parliament to take into account their
position they voted on today and make sure this important position on
Free Software and AI will be also included in regulation.” demands
Alexander Sander, FSFE Policy Consultant./  In the upcoming weeks the
European Parliament will get closer to its position on the AI
regulation, until end of May members can table amendments to the
commission text from which the position of the Parliament is formed. The
FSFE recently shared a dedicated document for decision-makers [1], with
elaborated arguments on the use of Free Software in AI technologies,
which highlights the benefits that Free Software can offer to this
crucial regulation.

 1: https://fsfe.org/news/2022/news-20220330-01.en.html

  == About the Free Software Foundation Europe ==

  Free Software Foundation Europe is a charity that empowers users to
  control technology. Software is deeply involved in all aspects of our
  lives; and it is important that this technology empowers rather than
  restricts us. Free Software gives everybody the rights to use,
  understand, adapt and share software. These rights help support other
  fundamental freedoms like freedom of speech, press and privacy.

  The FSFE helps individuals and organisations understand how Free
  Software contributes to freedom, transparency and self-determination. We
  enhance users' rights by abolishing barriers to Free Software adoption,
  encourage people to use and develop Free Software, and provide resources
  to enable everyone to further promote Free Software in Europe.

  https://fsfe.org