The European Commission has announced today that over a hundred companies have signed the European Union’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Pact, voluntarily committing to follow key principles for the ethical and responsible development of AI. Signatories include large multinational corporations and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from various sectors such as IT, telecommunications, healthcare, banking, automotive, and aerospace. The Pact aims to align companies with the principles of the EU’s AI Act before it comes into full effect.
The EU’s AI Pact represents a key initiative for organizations to proactively begin applying the regulations that will be required by the AI Act in the coming years. Additionally, this voluntary commitment promotes collaboration between the EU’s AI Office, industry, civil society, and academia, fostering a safe and regulated environment for innovation.
Commitments of the AI Pact:
The companies that have signed the AI Pact have taken on three main commitments:
- AI governance strategy: Develop an internal strategy that promotes the responsible use of artificial intelligence and prepares the organization to meet the requirements of the AI Act.
- Mapping high-risk AI systems: Identify and catalog AI systems that are likely to be classified as high-risk under the regulations of the AI Act.
- Promoting AI literacy: Promote training and awareness among employees about the ethical and responsible development of AI, ensuring that all levels of the organization understand the implications of its use.
In addition to these core commitments, over half of the signatories have committed to additional actions such as human oversight of AI systems, risk mitigation, and transparent labeling of AI-generated content, including deepfakes. The Pact is open to new companies wishing to join and take on these commitments until the AI Act is fully implemented.
Promoting AI Innovation in the EU:
In parallel with the implementation of the AI Act, the European Commission is taking steps to foster innovation in artificial intelligence across the region. The "AI Factories" program, introduced on September 10, 2024, aims to provide startups and industries with a comprehensive platform for developing AI solutions. These factories will offer access to data, talent, and processing capacity, driving the development of industrial and scientific AI applications in key sectors such as health, energy, transportation, defense, and robotics.
The "AI Factories" are part of a broader package from the European Commission to strengthen AI innovation, which also includes the deployment of European Common Data Spaces, the "GenAI4EU" initiative, and the AI Grand Challenge, offering financial support and access to EU supercomputers for startups and emerging companies.
Context and Application of the AI Act:
The European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act came into force on August 1, 2024, and will be fully implemented within two years. Some provisions are already in effect, such as prohibitions that will come into force within six months, governance rules that will be applicable after 12 months, and regulations for AI systems integrated in regulated products that will be implemented after 36 months.
This regulatory framework aims to ensure that the development and use of artificial intelligence in Europe is done ethically, safely, and in line with the fundamental rights of citizens, while promoting innovation and competitiveness in the European technology sector.
The AI Pact, and associated initiatives such as the "AI Factories," demonstrate the EU’s leadership in creating a regulatory environment that promotes both public trust in AI and economic growth. With the participation of major industrial players and emerging technology companies, the EU is positioning itself as a global leader in the regulation and development of reliable and secure artificial intelligence. Source: European Commission