AI Pact: Preparing for the future of AI with the new legal framework
The Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RTIK) informs its members about the new initiative of the European Commission - AI Pact. This pact is aimed at encouraging and assisting organizations in the preparation and implementation of the requirements of the new AI Act.
What is the AI Act?
The AI Act is the first ever legal framework for artificial intelligence that addresses the risks associated with AI and puts Europe in a leadership position on the global stage. Effective August 1, 2024, the AI Act provides clear requirements and obligations for developers and users of AI systems, while reducing administrative and financial burdens for businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The aims of the AI Act include:
- Ensuring safety and protecting the fundamental rights of people and businesses.
- Foster AI adoption, investment and innovation across the EU.
- Ensuring the reliability of AI systems through compliance with ethical principles and safety.
The AI Act uses a risk-based approach to classify AI systems into four levels of risk: unacceptable risk, high risk, limited risk, and minimal or no risk. High-risk AI systems are subject to strict requirements before being released to the market, including adequate risk assessment, high data quality and transparency of processes.
What is AI Pact?
The AI Act came into force on 1 August 2024, with some of its provisions already fully applicable. However, the requirements for high-risk AI systems and other provisions will become applicable after the end of a transition period. In this context, the European Commission is promoting the AI Pact, which seeks the voluntary commitment of industry for the early implementation of the requirements of the AI Act. The first call for participation was issued in November 2023, with responses received from over 550 organizations from various sectors and countries.
The AI Pact is structured around two main pillars:
- Pillar I: Establishing a network to exchange good practices and provide practical information on the AI Act implementation process.
- Pillar II: Encouraging suppliers and users of AI systems to prepare in advance and take action to comply with the requirements of the legislation.
AI Pact's two-pillar approach
Pillar I: Exchange and collaboration with the AI Pact network
Under this pillar, participants create a collaborative community, sharing experiences and knowledge. This includes workshops organized by the AI Office which provide a better understanding of the AI Act, the responsibilities of participants and how to prepare for its implementation. Participants can share their best practices and internal policies that may be helpful to others on the path to compliance.
Pillar II: Support and communication of corporate commitments
The purpose of this pillar is to provide a framework to promote the early implementation of some of the measures of the AI Act. This initiative encourages organizations to disclose the processes and practices they put in place for early compliance. In particular, companies providing or using AI systems can demonstrate their voluntary commitments to transparency and high-risk requirements and prepare for their implementation.
AI Pact Benefits to Participants
The European Commission works together with the participants and supports them in:
- Building a common understanding of the aims of the AI Act.
- Taking specific actions to understand, adapt and prepare for the future implementation of the AI Act (eg building internal processes, training staff and self-assessment of AI systems).
- Sharing knowledge and increasing the visibility and reliability of deployed AI trust measures.
- Building further trust in AI technologies.
Upcoming steps
Organizations that have expressed interest in the AI Pact are invited to a workshop in September to discuss the commitments and provide feedback on a new draft with a broader scope of commitments. The AI Office will review the feedback received and consider changes to engagements. The final version of the commitments will be presented and discussed during the workshop, with the aim of collecting official signatures in the second half of September.
Join the AI Pact!
If your company has already established internal guidelines or processes for ensuring reliable AI systems, share and test them with the AI Pact community. Join the initiative and be an active participant in building the future of AI in Europe!
The Rousse Chamber of Commerce and Industry encourages its members to join the AI Pact and take advantage of the benefits of the initiative. For more information and assistance, contact us by email: info@rcci.bg.
To learn about the AI Act and related topics, visit:
