This study of the European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act looks at the complicated
relationship between the Israeli Palestinian context and European Union (EU) legislation.
It focuses on how this might affect human rights in Palestine. It looks at how the law affects
people’s basic rights and the risks of using artificial intelligence in the situation between
Israel and Palestine. It found four types of AI systems that could be dangerous for human
rights in Palestine. These are systems used to create content, and to check and control content,
to surveil people and to use automated warfare.
The EU’s rules on artificial intelligence have major problems. These will only make it
easier for Israel to violate human rights against Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian
territories and in the EU. The law only covers European companies.
They are not bound by the rules and safeguards when selling their AI systems abroad, even
when the sale involves high risks, including to Israel. The Israeli government uses
AI systems to help it take over the Occupied Palestinian Territories and to watch the
movements of Palestinians and subject them to intense surveillance.
Also, the law lets the police and immigration use high-risk AI systems, which could mean
more surveillance and restrictions for Palestinians and people who support their rights, in
an environment where it is becoming more difficult to speak out for Palestine.
Finally, the law says that general AI has to be transparent and that risks have to be assessed.
We don’t know yet if generative AI will have any effects outside the EU.