#AI Act is published: The final version in all EU languages is available here.
That was one — quite quick — step for the Official Journal, and one giant leap for Europe.
Next steps: The AI Act will become effective as of 1st August 2024 and enter into force on 2nd August 2024, and be fully applicable 24 months after its entry into force, except for:
- bans on prohibited practises (will apply six months after the entry into force date, i.e. 2nd February 2025);
- codes of practice (nine months after entry into force, i.e. 2nd May 2025);
- general-purpose AI rules including governance (12 months after entry into force, i.e. 2nd August 2025);
- obligations for high-risk systems (36 months after entry into force, i.e. 2nd August 2027).
A Leap forward
The pandemic has accelerated the digital transformation: the transition from the extractive economy to the new economic space — the digital economy happened like a leap. In this new space, the algorithms that now shape our economy and society are often developed with few legal and regulatory restrictions or commonly held sustainability and ethical standards. Consequently, ensuring that technologies align with our shared values and existing legal and regulatory frameworks is crucial.
The EU appears to go further in this arduous feat by striving to create socially responsible and environmentally sustainable tech, fostering not only a trustworthy market, but also, and, indeed, especially, a whole safe and transparent socio-economic and bio-cultural ecosystem.
Namely, as covered in a previous post published by Martel Innovate and its non-profit organisation, Digital for Planet, the latest text of the EU AI Act features a revised definition of AI systems aligned with the OECD definition and the risk-based approach, in assessing the lawfulness of AI system development and usage based on the level of risk to fundamental rights. According to the EU Parliament, the Act aims to ensure that fundamental rights, together with democracy, the rule of law and environmental sustainability are protected from high-risk AI, while boosting innovation and making Europe a leader in the field. Obligations for high-risk systems will enter into force three years after the Act’s entry into force, meaning 2nd August 2027.
For high-impact general-purpose AI (GPAI) models with systemic risk, obligations are more stringent. If these models meet specific criteria, they will be required to conduct, among others, model evaluations, assess and mitigate systemic risks, report serious incidents to the Commission, ensure cybersecurity measures, and report on their energy efficiency. These obligations will enter into force one year later counting from Act’s entry into force, meaning 2nd August 2025.
