Exploring the EU AI Act: Ensuring Trustworthy AI Practices

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries and everyday life, but it also brings new challenges and risks. To address these, the European Union has introduced the EU AI Act, the world’s first comprehensive law regulating AI.

This landmark legislation aims to promote human-centric and trustworthy AI, ensuring a high level of protection for health, safety, and fundamental rights while boosting innovation across the EU. 

The AI Act outlines specific requirements for AI systems, defining what constitutes an AI system and a general-purpose AI model. It details the responsibilities of providers, users, importers, ensuring that all parties involved in the AI ecosystem manage the risks generated by AI systems.  

The timeline for the AI Act’s implementation is structured to allow for gradual adaptation, with key milestones at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months. Non-compliance with the Act can result in severe penalties, including fines up to 35 million euros or 7% of global turnover for the most serious violations. 

Understanding the AI Act’s requirements is crucial for businesses operating in the EU. This includes ensuring AI literacy among staff, implementing robust risk management and data governance systems, and adhering to transparency and human oversight mandates for high-risk AI systems. 

For a comprehensive overview, including the classification of AI risks and the specific provisions for general-purpose AI models, watch our detailed video. Learn how to navigate the complexities of the AI Act and leverage AI’s full potential while maintaining compliance. 

Need help implementing AI governance? Contact us for customized solutions tailored to your business. 

Florence BONNET Partner