AI Law - International Review of Artificial Intelligence Law
G. Giappichelli Editore

05/08/2024 - Preparing for the EU AI Act: Key Points from the Draft AI Pact (EU)

argument: Normativa/Regulations - European Union Law

According to The National Law Review, the European Commission has published a draft AI Pact to help stakeholders prepare for compliance with the newly introduced AI Act. This draft pact serves as a guideline for businesses, researchers, and policymakers to align with the regulatory framework set out in the AI Act, which aims to govern the development and deployment of artificial intelligence across the EU.

The AI Pact outlines key compliance requirements and best practices that organizations must adhere to in order to ensure that AI systems are ethical, transparent, and accountable. The guidelines emphasize the importance of risk management and stress the need for continuous monitoring and evaluation of AI applications to mitigate potential harms.

A central focus of the draft AI Pact is the classification of AI systems into different risk categories, ranging from minimal to high risk. High-risk AI systems, such as those used in critical sectors like healthcare and transportation, are subject to stringent compliance obligations, including rigorous testing, documentation, and oversight mechanisms.

The pact also provides detailed instructions on data management and protection, emphasizing the need for robust security measures to protect personal data and ensure privacy compliance. It encourages organizations to adopt privacy-by-design principles and to implement clear consent protocols when handling personal information.

To facilitate compliance, the draft AI Pact calls for the establishment of governance structures within organizations to oversee AI implementation and ensure adherence to ethical standards. This includes appointing AI compliance officers and setting up internal review boards to evaluate AI-related decisions.

The article concludes by highlighting the importance of the draft AI Pact in fostering a responsible AI ecosystem within the EU. By providing clear guidelines and support for compliance, the pact aims to promote innovation while safeguarding public trust in AI technologies. The EU's approach to AI regulation is seen as a model for other regions seeking to balance technological advancement with ethical considerations.