When was the EU AI Act proposed, and by whom?

The EU AI Act was proposed in April 2021 by the European Commission. This proposed regulation represents a significant step in the EU's approach to artificial intelligence, aiming to establish a legal framework for the development, placement on the market, and use of AI in the EU. By initiating this proposal, the European Commission sought to address the challenges and risks posed by AI technologies while also promoting innovation. It's important to recognize that the Act is intended to ensure that AI systems used within the EU are safe and respect fundamental rights, contributing to the EU’s broader ambitions of digital transformation and establishing itself as a global leader in AI governance. The timeline of the proposal highlights the EU's proactive stance in regulating emerging technologies that can have substantial impacts on society.