EU reaches a deal on AI Act

EU reaches a deal on AI Act

On February 2nd, the European Parliament, the Council and the European Commission unanimously reached a deal on the bloc’s Artificial Intelligence Act, overcoming last-minute national doubts. The formal voting on the Act is now scheduled for April 2024 and only after this it will enter into force (20 days after the publication in the Official Journal).

The AI Act is a part of a wider AI package, which also includes the updated Coordinated Plan on AI. Together, the Regulatory framework and Coordinated Plan will guarantee the safety and fundamental rights of people and businesses when it comes to AI and its usage.

The AI Act is going to be the first-ever comprehensive legal framework on AI worldwide. The aim of the new rules is to foster trustworthy AI in Europe and beyond by ensuring that AI systems respect fundamental rights, safety and ethical principles. The AI Act targets General-purpose AI also known as foundation models or advanced generative AI. These AI systems can perform a wide range of functions and adapt to different tasks.

The proposed rules of EU AI Act will:

• address risks specifically created by AI applications;
• propose a list of high-risk applications;
• set clear requirements for AI systems for high risk applications;
• define specific obligations for AI users and providers of high risk applications;
• propose a conformity assessment before the AI system is put into service or placed on the market;
• propose enforcement after such an AI system is placed in the market;
• propose a governance structure at European and national level.

Don’t miss the opportunity to find out more about AI’s impact on social policies during EPR’s Annual Conference in Malaga, Spain this June!