Ms Margrethe Vestager:

It needs separate legislation because it is specific. We have been careful not to refer to one specific type of technology. There can be different technologies, but the way in which the technology works determines whether it is defined as artificial intelligence. It could be technology that helps in a decision-making process, enables people to find patterns or does tasks that humans would otherwise do, such as a simple will or something like that. We are defining it by what the technology can do to future-proof it, given that there will be new forms of AI. It develops by the day.

Moreover, we are not focusing on the application as such or the sectors, but rather on the use cases. We compiled a list of use cases where, after the public consultation, we found there is a risk of fundamental values not being upheld, such as when people are being hired or applying for a mortgage. These are areas that are sensitive for people, where they want to be seen as who they are, not as their gender, postal code or ethnic background but as the person they are, with their talents and so on and with none of the other aspects. This is why we are specific with the use cases, but at the same time, there are many use cases where we find there is no risk. We may ask for transparency in order that people will know they are dealing with a machine, such as in customer service, but otherwise we just say "Go, go, go" because there are so many applications where it will make life more convenient.