Key Takeaways at Expert Session AI Act 2024

On Wednesday, December 11, Floris Kreiken and Hans de Zwart participated in an expert session on the AI Act, the new legislation aimed at guiding the responsible development and use of AI.

 

Floris, a senior advisor specializing in fundamental rights (privacy, AI, technology), took the floor first. He has played an integral role in shaping the AI Act. In his presentation, he explained the complexity of the process involved in its creation.

 

"How do you regulate technology? Essentially, you regulate human behavior. We view AI systems as human-made products that carry risks. It's our responsibility to ensure their safety and accountability through risk assessments. But that’s only the beginning. In practice, it will soon be clear how relationships will be managed between, for example, a high-risk AI model with significant impact. Additionally, systems for oversight must be developed and regulated, with the implementation varying across EU member states." Hans de Zwart, a philosopher and researcher, delved into the ethical dilemmas of AI in his presentation. Society remains divided on whether AI is inherently good or bad. Regardless, we must learn to navigate it responsibly.

 

"All technology makes life easier for some people and harder for others. Technology has direct effects but also unexpected and indirect consequences. Exercising moral imagination when it comes to AI—considering its potential negative or problematic aspects—is crucial for determining how we, as individuals, approach AI."

 

The session concluded with a Q&A, during which the audience raised both ethical and legal questions about AI and the new legislation.

 

Read the article here from our partner The Centre of Expertise Applied AI (HvA) or watch the video back here!