In March 2024 the EU Parliament adopted the AI Act.

Providers and users in the UK will not be directly impacted by it. Having said that, it is likely that AI systems that are used in the UK and the EU will be adapted to meet EU standards to reduce the likelihood of non-compliance. The UK will catch up at some point. It has taken three years of debate to get this far since the EU Commission first proposed it. The final hurdle before it becomes EU law is for the Council of Ministers to adopt and that is expected soon.

The EU AI Act covers the following:

  • Defines AI System
  • Adopts a risk-based approach, prohibiting some systems and introducing safeguards for others
  • EU AI Office to have oversight
  • Fines for non-compliance ranging from €7.5-35 million or 1-7% turnover
  • Staggered rollout timetable
  • Existing AI systems must become compliant within 2-4 years

For more information, read the full post on my blog here.

If you need advice, contact me f.jennings@teacherstern.com or +44 (0) 20 7611 2338.