EU member states voted in favor of a proposal in Brussels to subject artificial intelligence (AI) to stricter rules. German Justice Minister Marco Buschmann hailed the decision as a victory for innovation and fundamental rights. Negotiators reached an agreement on AI regulation in December, with unanimous approval from states on Friday. Germany's stance was uncertain until recently, but a compromise was reached. The European Parliament's approval is pending. The proposed law categorizes AI systems based on risk, aiming for global adoption. Critics fear unclear regulations could stifle innovation, while proponents emphasize prioritizing innovation, legal clarity, and streamlined bureaucracy. AI, primarily using machine learning, is already prevalent in various sectors, from medical imaging to self-driving cars and streaming services.