How to regulate artificial intelligence

Roberto Viola, Director General of DG CONNECT at the European Commission, will be in Lugano on 18 December to receive the Grand Prix Möbius for artificial intelligence and to talk about efforts to regulate AI.

What has been done so far to regulate AI in the European Union? What are the main obstacles to a virtuous regulation of AI? How can the needs of civil society, industry and universities be duly taken into account? And which areas of AI need regulation more than others?

These are some of the questions that will be addressed on Monday, 18 December, starting at 6 pm, during a conference on "How to regulate artificial intelligence for the benefit of society" that will be held in Aula polivalente of the USI-SUPSI East Campus in Lugano-Viganello. Roberto Viola, Director General of DG CONNECT (Directorate General for Communication Networks, Content and Technologies) at the European Commission, will be the guest of the Möbius Foundation, USI and SUPSI.

The regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) is a very topical issue and is at the forefront of the digital agendas of many governments. The European Union is leading the way by drafting the first law on this subject. Artificial intelligence fascinates and worries at the same time: the promise of a tool that projects humankind into the age of "intelligent machines" dedicated to the goals of a safer society, more precise medicine and a more sustainable environment is countered by the risks of abuse and manipulation. Hence, many expressed the need to regulate AI while trying to leave a margin of appreciation for research and development.

Programme:

6 pm - Introduction
Alessio Petralli, Director Möbius Foundation
Luca Maria Gambardella, USI Pro-Rector for Innovation and Corporate Relations
Emanuele Carpanzano, Director of SUPSI Research

6:15 pm - Conference
Roberto Viola, Director General DG CONNECT

During the encounter, Roberto Viola will be presented with the Grand Prix Möbius for artificial intelligence at the service of society, awarded "for his commitment to an ethical, transparent and responsible artificial intelligence, in favour of the development and progress of human society."

Roberto Viola is the Director-General of DG CONNECT (Directorate-General for Communication Networks, Content and Technologies) at the European Commission, where he was Deputy Director-General from 2012 to 2015. He served as Chairman of the European Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG) from 2012 to 2013. He was a member of the BEREC Board (Body of European Telecom Regulators), and Chairman of the European Regulatory Group (ERG). He held the position of Secretary General in charge of managing AGCOM, from 2005 to 2012. Prior to this, he served as Director of Regulation Department and Technical Director in AGCOM from 1999 to 2004. From 1985 to 1999, he served in various positions, including Head of Telecommunication and Broadcasting Satellite Services at the European Space Agency (ESA). Roberto Viola holds a Doctorate in Electronic Engineering and a Masters in Business Administration (MBA).