{
  "id": 13157370,
  "title": "EU tech chief says bloc ’well equipped’ to fend off rogue AI risk",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/eu-tech-chief-says-bloc-well-equipped-to-fend-off-rogue-ai-risk",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-10-09T16:42:38.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Investing.com",
    "slug": "investing-com",
    "url": "https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/eu-tech-chief-says-bloc-well-equipped-to-fend-off-rogue-ai-risk-4941496"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "European Union Commissioner Henna Virkkunen, responsible for technology, has stated that the EU's current AI regulations are robust enough to manage rogue artificial intelligence systems. Adopted two years ago, the EU’s AI Act is considered among the most stringent worldwide. Speaking to Reuters, Virkkunen emphasized that Europe is well-prepared to handle the potential risks associated with advanced AI models.\n\nVirkkunen explained that the AI Act covers the entire lifecycle of these systems, from development to deployment. The regulation includes a scientific advisory panel comprising 60 experts from academia and institutions, which guides companies on assessing their models and the necessary oversight. Despite some companies arguing that the rules are outdated, Virkkunen countered that EU lawmakers have already anticipated future developments, such as the need for rigorous risk assessments and external verification.\n\nThe European Commission recently sent information requests to over 30 AI firms in August, seeking details on safety measures, transparency, and copyright compliance. These probes could potentially lead to sanctions up to 7% of a company’s global annual earnings. Virkkunen indicated that she is currently reviewing these responses.\n\nWhen queried about AI developments from China, Virkkunen noted that her office had also sent similar requests to Chinese AI startups. She highlighted that the most advanced AI models currently operating are primarily from the United States and China, underscoring the global nature of the threat. Regarding the possibility of a digital levy on large US tech companies, Virkkunen noted that the decision rests with EU governments, who are currently deliberating on new financing options for the EU budget from 2028 to 2034.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}