Tech Giants Sign EU Artificial Intelligence Pact PledgesTech Giants Sign EU Artificial Intelligence Pact Pledges

The AI pact enables companies to work together with the EU AI office to build a common understanding of the AI Act as well as take concrete steps to adapt and prepare for its future implementation.

Katie Hobbins, Managing Editor

October 9, 2024

3 Min Read
European Union AI Act
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The European Unions’ (EU) European Commission (EC) recently announced that over a hundred companies are the first to sign its artificial intelligence pact and its accompanying voluntary pledges. The companies, which include healthcare and other industries, have pledged to start applying the principles of the AI Act ahead of its full implementation.

The AI Act, according to the EC, is the first-ever legal framework on AI. Part of a wider package of policy measures to support the safe development of AI, which include the AI Innovation Package and the Coordinated Plan on AI, the AI Act provides developers and distributors with clear requirements regarding the specific use of AI. Additionally, the act seeks to reduce the administrative and financial burden of AI on businesses, particularly small and medium sized companies.

“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 and by addressing risks of very powerful and impactful AI models,” according to the EC.

The AI Act entered into force on Aug. 1, and while some provisions are already fully applicable, some requirements on high-risk AI systems and other provisions will only be enforceable at the end of a transitional period — two years following its entry into force with some exceptions.

The AI pact enables companies to work together with the EU AI office as well as all relevant stakeholders, including industry, civil society, and academia, to build a common understanding of the objectives of the AI Act; take concrete actions to understand, adapt, and prepare for the future implementation of the act, including building internal processes, preparing staff, and self-assessing AI systems; share knowledge and increase the visibility and credibility of the safeguards put in place to demonstrate trustworthy AI; and build additional trust in AI technologies, according to the EC. The pact, in turn, allows participants to test and share solutions with the wider community.

Companies that voluntarily pledged — like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon — have committed to three core actions:

  • AI governance strategy to foster the uptake of AI in the organization and work towards future compliance with the AI Act.

  • High-risk AI systems mapping which will help identify AI systems likely to be categorized as high-risk under the act.

  • Promoting AI literacy and awareness among staff, ensuring ethical and responsible AI development.

“In addition to these core commitments, more than half of the signatories committed to additional pledges, including ensuring human oversight, mitigating risks, and transparently labelling certain types of AI-generated content, such as deepfakes,” according to the EC. “Companies are welcome to join the AI Pact and commit to the core and the additional pledges at any moment until the AI Act fully applies.”

In tandem with the AI pact, the commission is also taking action to boost EU AI innovation. Establishing the AI Factories initiative on Sept. 10 — part of the AI Innovation Package — the EC said it will provide start-ups and industry with a “one-stop-shop to innovate and develop AI, including data, talent and computing power.” The initiative will also propel development and validation of AI in key sectors, such as healthcare, robotics, and manufacturing.

About the Author

Katie Hobbins

Managing Editor, MD+DI

Katie Hobbins is managing editor for MD+DI and joined the team in July 2022. She boasts multiple previous editorial roles in print and multimedia medical journalism, including dermatology, medical aesthetics, and pediatric medicine. She graduated from Cleveland State University in 2018 with a bachelor's degree in journalism and promotional communications. She enjoys yoga, hand embroidery, and anything DIY. You can reach her at [email protected].

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