A study by Anne Goldmann, a research assistant in the CAIS research program “Digital Democratic Innovations,” and Sandra Plümer finds that the European Parliament’s narratives about artificial intelligence remained remarkably stable between 2020 and 2024, through the adoption of the AI Act. Even the launch of ChatGPT in 2022 had little impact on these narratives. Positively portrayed actors, the belief that AI can be effectively governed, and calls for coordinated regulation shape the Parliament’s understanding of artificial intelligence.
The study focuses on narratives of political governance and confidence in AI’s potential. These narratives are supported by actors portrayed as heroes and beneficiaries. They address both specific policy areas, such as the use of AI in security and surveillance, and broader issues, including global competition in AI. Despite major developments during this period, such as the launch of ChatGPT in 2022, the underlying narrative structures remained largely unchanged. The study contributes to a better understanding of how discursive dynamics shape EU legislation on artificial intelligence.
Goldmann, A., Plümer, S.: Narrating the AI Act: Policy narratives on artificial intelligence, their construction, and evolution within the European Parliament. Government Information Quarterly. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0740624X26000560