AI Regulation: Balancing Growth and Control

Recently, MindTitan CEO Kristjan Jansons shared his insights on AI regulation in Estonia’s leading newspaper, Eesti Päevaleht.
Here’s a summary of his views in English, with the original article available in Estonian here: Eesti Päevaleht.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has once again stirred public debate. Just weeks ago, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump shared a series of AI-generated images of Taylor Swift fans wearing “Swifties for Trump” shirts on social media. While initially convincing, a closer look revealed that many of the faces in the images were computer-generated. It wasn’t Trump’s first brush with AI controversy—he recently accused Kamala Harris of manipulating campaign photos, later debunked as a standard phone picture.

The issue doesn’t stop with politics. AI-generated fake images and even deepfake explicit content have emerged as tools for online harassment, sparking heated discussions about the dangers of this rapidly evolving technology. These incidents leave the public wondering where the line is between innovation and manipulation. At what point should governments step in with regulation, and when can we rely on individuals’ critical thinking to discern reality from fabrication?

The European Union’s recent AI Regulation is a step toward addressing these concerns. It promotes the responsible use of AI, enforcing transparency and copyright rules to ensure AI-generated content is clearly labeled. The regulation includes online images and extends to AI’s broader role—developing tools that streamline processes and free people to focus on more meaningful work.

However, as these new rules come into play, there’s a fine line to walk. Overregulation could stifle innovation, a concern voiced by many at European tech conferences. While addressing the risks of AI is necessary, it’s equally important that Europe remains competitive on the global stage. Technology moves fast, and focusing too much on regulation could leave us behind, as the rest of the world races ahead with groundbreaking developments.

AI, like any new technology, brings both opportunities and risks. The ability to critically assess online content has been crucial for years, long before AI’s rise. Discussions about AI must extend beyond fear and restriction. We need to explore its vast potential while ensuring its responsible use. Here, education plays a vital role—parents, schools, governments, and media alike must teach and protect each other in an increasingly complex digital world, empowering us all to use AI responsibly.

AI is not the enemy. Misleading incidents shouldn’t drive us to label the technology as harmful. Instead, we should focus on how to harness its power safely, effectively, and for the benefit of all. With thoughtful regulation, education, and collaboration, we can all play a part in using AI to improve lives and make our world a better, more innovative place.