EU Action in Artificial Intelligence and Desinformation

The aim of the course is to examine the action of the EU in two specific new fields: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Disinformation. Firstly, the course will define generally the EU approach toward AI, by analyzing the Europe for the Digital Decade. Secondly, the class will focus on the European Union’s action against Disinformation.

Participants will explore the complexity of a new EU approach on AI and all the legal and non-legal documents that the EU has employed in order to discipline it. The students will focus on the European AI Strategy that has been translated into a European approach to excellence and trust through concrete rules and actions. For this reason, the class will take into consideration the three EU Commission proposal: the so-called AI package: Communication on fostering a European approach to AI; a review of the Coordinated Plan on Artificial Intelligence (with EU Member States); its proposal for a regulation laying down harmonized rules on AI (AI Act) and relevant Impact assessment.

On the second part of the course, since Disinformation constitutes a particular aspect of AI, the participants will assess the main documents that the EU has adopting in regulating Disinformation, that are mainly informal and non-binding document. The course will address the spread of disinformation, its main causes, the EU’s attempt in trying to defend itself from it.

Students will learn how AI and Disinformation are interconnected and how certain countries, such as Poland, has contributed in the European public debate at creating awareness in regulating these fields.

1. The Europe for the Digital Decade – an introduction.

2. The European AI Strategy – general issues.

3. AI package: rationale, features and legal issues.

4. EU and Disinformation: in search for a definition.

5. The causes of Disinformation in the EU

6. EU documents for regulating disinformation

7. EU bodies and institutions for combating disinformation

1) J. Pamment, The EU’s Role in Fighting Disinformation: Taking Back the Initiative, July 15, 2020, Carnegie

2) E. Shattock, Self-regulation 2:0? A criticalreflection of the European fightagainst disinformation, May 31, 2021, Harvard Kennedy School

3) A. M. Guess, B. A. Lyons, Misinformation, Disinformation, and Online Propaganda, published online by Cambridge University Press: 24 August 2020

4) F. Durach, A. Bârgăoanu, C. Nastasiu, Tackling Disinformation: EU Regulation of the Digital Space, ROMANIAN JOURNAL OF EUROPEAN AFFAIRS Vol. 20, No. 1, June 2020

5) M. Monti, The Eu Code of Practice on Disinformation and the Risk of the Privatisation of Censorship, 1st Edition

First Published, 2020, Routledge, Pages 12

6) EU Commission study, The impact of disinformation on democratic processes and human rights in the world, Authors: Carme COLOMINA, Héctor SÁNCHEZ MARGALEF, Richard YOUNGS European Parliament coordinator: Policy Department for External Relations Directorate General for External Policies of the Union PE 653.635 - April 2021 EN S

7) Borsci, S., Lehtola, V.V., Nex, F. et al. Embedding artificial intelligence in society: looking beyond the EU AI master plan using the culture cycle. AI & Soc (2022).

8) Corea, F., Fossa, F., Loreggia, A. et al. A principle-based approach to AI: the case for European Union and Italy. AI & Soc 38, 521–535 (2023).

9) MADIEGA, T., 2019. EU guidelines on ethics in artificial intelligence: Context and implementation, EPRS: European Parliamentary Research Service. Belgium.

10) Perucica, N. and Andjelkovic, K. (2022), "Is the future of AI sustainable? A case study of the European Union", Transforming Government: People, Process and Policy, Vol. 16 No. 3, pp. 347-358

11) Pagallo, U., Ciani Sciolla, J. and Durante, M. (2022), "The environmental challenges of AI in EU law: lessons learned from the Artificial Intelligence Act (AIA) with its drawbacks", Transforming Government: People, Process and Policy, Vol. 16 No. 3, pp. 359-376

12) Smuha, Nathalie A.. "The EU Approach to Ethics Guidelines for Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence" Computer Law Review International, vol. 20, no. 4, 2019, pp. 97-106. https://doi.org/10.9785/cri-2019-200402

After the course student should be able to:

- understand EU’s action in AI and Disinformation

- identify and describe the main reasons for the EU’s action on AI and Disinformation

- identify and understand the main EU law documents concerning AI and Disinformation

- know and analyze main aspects of AI and disinformation

- understand the role of the EU as a normative power in these two fields

Teaching methods:

- combination of theoretical issues and case studies;

- Problem based learning methodology: materials would be provided before each class with some questions that the students will address together during the class with the help of the tutor

- Students’ own studies, engagement and involvement by working together will be encouraged and part of the final evaluation

referring to their individual experience and knowledge gained from independent reading,

- use of the Kampus platform and the uploaded materials including scientific papers, links to Internet sources and various audio-video materials, films, etc.

- use of a PPT original presentation for each module

- involvement of the student in independent work through the completion of one presentation on one specific topic selected by the tutor at the end of the class (each presentation is evaluated separately)

Assessment criteria:

The assessment consists of three parts: class attendance, presentation of one topic discussed in class and in-class activity. Each presentation is given a number of points. The sum of these points is the basis for the final grade. Attendance in class is required (two unexcused absences are allowed).