AI ACT: Key Points
Author: Alain Álvarez
Date: 14-01-2024
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of our lives, influencing various aspects of society. Recognizing the need to ensure the responsible development and use of AI, the AI Act introduces crucial elements aimed at safeguarding the well-being, privacy, and fundamental rights of its users. Here, we break down the key components of the AI Act, explaining them in an easy way to enhance understanding.
1. Risk Classification
The AI Act introduces a system to categorize AI systems based on potential risks to health, safety, and fundamental rights. Think of it as sorting AI into different groups. High-risk applications, like those used in critical infrastructure or for biometric identification, face stricter rules to prevent any possible harm. This helps us ensure that the AI we use is safe and reliable, while any abuse of power will be punished.
2. Data Usage and Training Transparency
The AI Act emphasizes the importance of being open about how AI systems are trained and the data they use. Users have the right to know how AI affects them, and any data used for training must be carefully checked to remove biases. This is like making sure that the AI treats everyone fairly and doesn't cause any unfair outcomes. By being transparent, the AI Act aims to build trust and encourage ethical AI practices. This point is already a significant challenge, as many companies like OpenAI have been reluctant to disclose how they trained their foundational models.
3. Prohibited Practices
Certain uses of AI are strictly forbidden by the AI Act. For example, using AI to score people for government purposes or manipulating individuals' behavior is not allowed. This ensures that AI is used responsibly, protecting our individual rights and preventing any misuse that could go against our societal values. Here, we can see that the AI Act already foresees some social changes originated by the use of AI. The broad application of AI will have many consequences, but it is important to avoid any that harms any fundamental human right.
4. Conformity Assessment for High-Risk AI Systems
Before high-risk AI systems are allowed in the market, they undergo a thorough assessment. This assessment checks if the AI systems meet the strict requirements set by the regulation, covering things like safety, accuracy, and ethics. It's like giving AI systems a test to make sure they are safe and follow the rules. This proactive approach helps identify and fix potential problems before the AI systems are used, promoting responsible AI development and use.
5. Enforcement and Penalties
Making sure everyone follows the rules is crucial. National authorities are responsible for enforcing the AI Act and can take action against those who don't follow the rules. The AI Act sets clear penalties, like fines, for violations. This helps deter bad behavior and shows the commitment to maintaining high standards in AI use. By doing this, the AI Act aims to create a strong set of rules that balance innovation with protecting our rights and well-being.
In conclusion, the AI Act represents a significant step towards ensuring that AI benefits society while safeguarding our rights and values. However, it is merely the "first" step on a complex journey that society must navigate, experiencing and adjusting AI to align with our social values. By comprehending its key elements, we can contribute to a future where AI is developed and used responsibly for the betterment of all. It is crucial to remember that AI is a tool meant to enhance social interactions, not deepen social injustices.