At the recent Humans in Charge panel discussion, moderated by journalist Krisztina Bombera, a distinguished group of experts came together to examine the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications for law, policy, and society. The panel featured John C. Havens (Global Director of IEEE Planet Positive 2030 and founding Executive Director of the IEEE Global Initiative on AI Ethics), Olívia Erdélyi (leading AI governance scholar), Viktor Vajda (representative of the Hungarian John von Neumann Enterprise, advising on national AI strategy), Theodore Boone (Of Counsel at Dentons, lecturer at Corvinus University, and former president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Hungary), and George Tilesch (global strategist and thought leader).

From the outset, the speakers highlighted the significance of the EU AI Act, which aims to create the first comprehensive regulatory framework for AI worldwide. Several panelists noted that while the Act may appear to increase the administrative burden on businesses, it promises greater clarity and trust. This clarity, they argued, could ultimately enhance Europe’s competitiveness by establishing high standards and clear expectations. Yet, the panelists stressed that drafting effective AI regulation cannot be done in a vacuum. They invoked historical precedents—such as nuclear power regulation—to illustrate how crucial global collaboration will be in mitigating risks and ensuring responsible advancement of emerging technologies.

Hungary’s roadmap for implementing the EU AI Act, shared by Viktor Vajda, included the plan to create a dedicated Hungarian AI Office, serving as a one-stop shop for AI oversight, and a national AI Board. The goal is to streamline decision-making, involve all relevant authorities (data protection, competition, etc.), and ensure that Hungary can reap the benefits of AI without sacrificing fundamental rights or well-being. The audience learned that many EU Member States face similar challenges, each establishing comparable national bodies to harmonize the Act’s roll-out and keep pace with rapid technological change.

Theodore Boone introduced the intricacies of liability in AI, emphasizing the concept of shifting burdens of proof under proposed EU directives—where AI developers may have to prove that their system did not cause harm, rather than victims proving it did. This, combined with the inherent unpredictability of complex AI systems (such as deep learning), underscores the legal puzzles governments and companies must resolve. Olívia Erdélyi added that unanticipated AI behavior complicates accountability, since liability typically assumes a level of human control. The debate underscored a Pandora’s box of issues: protecting victims, maintaining incentives for innovation, and managing societal risks.

John Havens shifted the focus to a broader ethical and humanitarian perspective. He reminded the audience that AI systems rely on human data, and that any responsible framework must consider data dignity, individual property rights, and cultural identity. Referencing the IEEE’s global AI ethics standards, he highlighted critical topics such as age-appropriate design (protecting children’s data) and indigenous data sovereignty, advocating that AI policy must empower local communities and minority languages. Moreover, he challenged the status quo of “innovation above all,” proposing instead “illumination”—ensuring that emerging technologies uphold well-being, foster equitable opportunities, and protect our planet’s finite resources, notably water.

The panel concluded with a shared sense of urgency. While each expert offered different angles—regulatory enforcement, legal liability, ethical standards, and national strategies—all agreed that humans must remain firmly in charge of the AI agenda. The discussion highlighted the need for collaborative, forward-thinking governance approaches that respect human rights, nurture innovation responsibly, and protect both current and future generations. Ultimately, the consensus was clear: the goal is not merely to avoid the pitfalls of AI but to harness its transformative potential in a way that uplifts humanity and the planet alike.