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To give female academics and others focused on AI their well-deserved and overdue spotlight time, TechCrunch is launching a series of interviews highlighting notable women who have contributed to the AI revolution. Start. As the AI boom continues, we’ll be publishing several articles throughout the year highlighting key research that may go unrecognized. Click here for a detailed profile.
Eva Meidel is a Bulgarian politician and member of the European Parliament. She was first elected to Parliament in 2014 at the age of 28 and was the youngest MP at the time. In 2019, Ms. Meidel was re-elected to Parliament and she continues to serve on the Economic and Monetary Committee and the Industry, Research and Energy Committee (ITRE).
Mr. Meidel is the ITRE Rapporteur on the EU AI Law, a proposed legal framework to govern the sale and use of AI in the European Union, and was responsible for drafting the report on the European Commission’s proposal. She reflects the opinion of the European Commission. ITRE member. Madel was also responsible for drafting the compromise plan in consultation with external experts and stakeholders.
Eva Meidel, Member of the European Parliament
In short, how did you get started in AI? What attracted you to the field?
When I first became a member of the European Parliament, I was one of the few young female MEPs in the European Parliament working on technology issues. I have always been passionate about how Europe can better take advantage of the huge opportunities for innovation. The great thing about working in technology is that you’re always looking to the future. Having worked on cybersecurity, semiconductors and digital topics throughout my time in Congress, I thought it would be very interesting to work on the AI Act and that I could bring my experience in these areas to bear on this world-first regulation. .
What work (in the AI field) are you most proud of?
I’m proud of the work we’ve done on AI law. We set out a common European vision for the future of this technology, where AI becomes more democratic, secure and innovative. Regulators and Congress will naturally think about worst-case scenarios and how to protect and prepare for risks. But I also did my best to keep competitiveness at the center of this conversation. This includes defending research and open source exemptions, taking an ambitious approach to regulatory sandboxes, and coordinating cooperation with international partners wherever possible to reduce market frictions.
How do we overcome the challenges of a male-dominated tech industry and, by extension, a male-dominated AI industry?
Slowly but surely, women are increasing in technology and AI fields. I have female colleagues and friends in the technology industry who are incredibly talented and truly driving the technology agenda forward. It’s great to have a network that supports each other. I also found myself accepted by the AI community. That’s what makes this problem so interesting and fun to work on.
What advice would you give to women looking to enter the AI field?
Let’s try it anyway! Be yourself. Don’t get stuck in a mold or think you need to be like everyone else. Everyone has something unique. The more women continue to share their ideas, visions, and voices, the more they will inspire other women to step into the world of technology. Every time I talk to student groups or young parliamentarians, it’s great to see so many women interested in entering this field. You can feel the changes happening.
What are the most pressing issues facing AI as it evolves?
The biggest challenge for politicians working on technology and AI is regulating it accurately and trying to prepare for the future. Despite all the facts, figures, and research, there are certain elements to look into your “crystal ball.” The big issues that politicians need to address are:
First, how can this technology make economies more competitive while ensuring broader societal benefits? Second, how can we stop AI from promoting disinformation? And third, how do we set international rules to ensure that AI is developed and used according to democratic standards?
What issues should AI users be aware of?
The very serious challenges posed by AI as a means to accelerate the spread of disinformation and deepfakes. This year is especially important given that 50% of the world will go to vote. We all need to apply a critical eye to the images, videos, and news articles we see. As technology advances, we need to be even more wary of being manipulated. This is an issue I’m currently working on extensively.
What is the best way to build AI responsibly?
If we want a future where AI improves our lives and helps solve our most pressing challenges, there is one key element. It’s trust. We need trust in these technologies.
We cannot rest on our laurels. The AI Act does not mean we are done. We need to keep asking ourselves what happens next, and that doesn’t necessarily mean more regulation. But that means keeping an eye on the big picture: how AI and regulation are impacting our economies, security, and lives.
How can investors more effectively promote responsible AI?
Investing in AI and innovative technology is no different than investing in any other product. Businesses, banks and corporations are recognizing the fact that there are significant economic benefits to being a positive force in the world around us. Ultimately, scaling AI in a responsible manner is more likely to sustain success, reduce financial risk and failure, and generate consumer and market trust.
