Topic: Towards ethical artificial intelligence.

Brussels, 9 November 2019.

Madam Presidentéof the European Commission,

Your vision European'Artificial Intelligence, with its emphasis on ethics, has attracted a great deal of attention.'attention of'European Association of Free Thought (AEPL).

L'The European Association of Free Thought is regularly informed and consulted by its members.èby the European Commission within the framework of the Dialogue, Article 17 of the Treaty of Lisbon (TFEU). C'It is in this context that'she organisedOn 1 April, the European Commission and the European Commission jointly organised a conference on the'Europe Autrement, with the invaluable assistance of representatives from the Centre Européenen de Stratégie Politique (CESP). L'AEPL is recognised as a non-denominational organisation that supports the European project. C'This is why it is veryès ints'Artificial Intelligence and the ethical issues it raisesève.

We fully support the objectives described in the " Ethics guidelines for trustworthy Artificial Intelligence"published in the spring following the work of the'high-level experts set up by the European Commission.

A recent publication in Euronews worriedète and justifies our writing to you.
A group of'interest, the Centre for " Data Innovation "an offshoot of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) Innovation " based Washington DC y ds new thèThe following statement: " Europe will be left behind if it focuses on ethics and not keeping pace in AI development "

This'is not the firstènce again, the Center for " Data Innovation press release on this themeème, it would be a campaign of'programmed influencee.

L'AEPL considersèWe believe that this argument does not serve the interests of European citizens who are concerned about their own ethical values, particularly with regard to human rights.'Man. Your vision, and in particular that of'a " Ethics by Design " confirms an ex-ante approach, enabling ethical objectives to be set prior to technological research and development, rather than afterwardsès when the facts are known.

Within the legislative framework for'Artificial Intelligence'Europe has a duty to pursue what'it has achieved inèIn the area of personal data protection, we want to set an example for the rest of the world.

L'AEPL has set up a working group to reflect on these issues.chit to the ethics of'artificial intelligence. In the meantime, we look forward to sharing our contribution with you, which will expand on the attached report. We are at your disposal, and that of your departments, to answer any questions you may have.

Yours sincerelyer, Madam Présidente, l'Please accept the assurances of our highest consideration.

Claude WACHTELAER, Professors President

Tony van der HAEGEN, Vice-presidents President

Annex: AEPL report - European Union, digital transition, work, employment and new solidaritys.