2. Choose a recent event or government decision you think relates to one of the guiding principles. What happened? What principle does it relate to, and how?

One recent government decision that exemplifies a fundamental guiding principle is the **European Union's (EU) adoption of the Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act)** in April 2023. This legislative move directly relates to the guiding principle of **ethics and human rights** in technology development and deployment. ### What Happened? In April 2023, the European Union officially adopted the Artificial Intelligence Act, aiming to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for artificial intelligence (AI) within its member states. The AI Act categorizes AI applications based on their potential risk levels—**unacceptable risk, high risk, limited risk,** and **minimal risk**—and imposes varying degrees of regulation accordingly. High-risk AI systems, such as those used in healthcare, employment, and critical infrastructure, are subject to strict requirements, including transparency, documentation, and human oversight. The legislation also seeks to ban certain AI practices deemed harmful, such as social scoring by governments and manipulative AI-driven content. ### Related Guiding Principle: Ethics and Human Rights The AI Act is intrinsically tied to the guiding principle of **ethics and human rights**. By instituting regulations that prioritize the protection of individuals' rights and ensure ethical AI development, the EU demonstrates its commitment to fostering technology that aligns with societal values and human dignity. ### How It Relates to the Principle 1. **Protection of Fundamental Rights:** The AI Act emphasizes safeguarding fundamental rights such as privacy, non-discrimination, and freedom of expression. By categorizing AI applications and enforcing strict guidelines on high-risk systems, the legislation seeks to prevent misuse that could infringe upon these rights. 2. **Transparency and Accountability:** Requiring transparency in AI algorithms and decision-making processes ensures that both developers and users are accountable for the outcomes of AI systems. This openness is crucial for maintaining public trust and enabling scrutiny to prevent unethical practices. 3. **Human Oversight:** By mandating human oversight for high-risk AI applications, the EU ensures that critical decisions—especially those affecting individuals' lives—are not left solely to automated systems. This aligns with the principle that technology should augment, not replace, human judgment. 4. **Ethical Innovation:** The AI Act encourages the development of AI technologies that are not only innovative but also ethically sound. By setting clear standards, the EU aims to lead in responsible AI innovation, balancing technological advancement with moral considerations. ### Conclusion The EU's Artificial Intelligence Act is a pivotal government decision that embodies the guiding principle of ethics and human rights in the context of emerging technologies. By establishing a regulatory framework that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and the protection of fundamental rights, the EU sets a benchmark for responsible AI governance. This approach ensures that as AI technologies evolve, they do so in a manner that upholds societal values and safeguards individual freedoms.