The European Commission unveiled the AI Pact during the 4th European AI Alliance Assembly, initiating a call for voluntary commitments from companies both within and outside the EU. The pact is designed to encourage the proactive adoption of measures outlined in the forthcoming AI Act ahead of the legal deadline, focusing on the responsible design, development, and usage of AI technologies.
Open to global participation, the pact requires concrete pledges from companies to detail specific actions aligned with AI Act requirements. The initiative allows for a gradual approach, enabling companies to outline plans within defined timeframes to achieve higher levels of ambition in AI development. For companies, joining the AI Pact signifies a commitment to responsible AI practices. It serves as a platform for knowledge-sharing among companies, facilitating the exchange of existing guidelines and solutions.
As a next step, the Commission will bring together interested parties in the first half of 2024 to discuss the pact’s ambitions and collect preliminary ideas and best practices that could inspire future pledges. Following the formal adoption of the AI Act, the AI Pact will be officially launched. “Frontrunner” organisations will be invited to make their first pledges public.
Access Partnership continues to monitor AI-related developments globally, with a dedicated AI Policy Lab that cultivates conversations surrounding AI. For more insights about what these developments mean for your business, please reach out to Mark Smitham at [email protected] or Lydia Dettling at [email protected].
