EU AI Act preparation is like tuning a grand piano; every element must harmonise perfectly to ensure a flawless performance. This article provides some thoughts for organisations worldwide on how to prepare for the EU AI Act. We will explain the scope of the Act, identify key areas of compliance, and offer practical steps to ensure you’re ready to meet all requirements.
Understanding the scope and impact of the EU AI Act for preparation
The EU AI Act applies broadly, affecting European and non-European entities that use AI systems impacting the EU market. It categorises AI risks from low to high, with each category requiring different levels of compliance. Understanding these risk categories is essential for aligning your business practices.
Identifying compliance priorities
It’s important to recognise the roles in the AI lifecycle—whether you are an AI provider or deployer—and know what the law expects of you in terms of EU AI Act preparation. High-risk AI systems demand thorough risk management and detailed documentation. Systems with minimal risk still need to be transparent and undergo regular monitoring. Embedding compliance across all stages of AI development and use is crucial.
Operational compliance steps
From the start, you should integrate compliance into the design of AI systems. High-risk systems require comprehensive risk management and clear accountability measures. Keeping detailed records is necessary for all AI systems to support audits and compliance checks.
Building a multidisciplinary compliance team for EU AI Act preparation
Effective AI governance combines legal, technical, and ethical expertise. Creating a team with these skills is vital. The team should have clear roles and receive continuous training to keep up with regulatory updates and technological changes.
Engaging with global and regional regulations
The EU AI Act is part of a broader regulatory landscape, which includes data protection and other digital regulations. It’s essential to stay informed about new regulations from the European Commission and actively engage with regulatory bodies and compliance networks.
Actions you can take next
Preparing for the EU AI Act requires a proactive approach. It’s not enough to understand the Act; you must integrate its requirements into a more comprehensive compliance and governance framework. You can:
- Improve your readiness by reviewing and enhancing your AI policies and procedures.
- Engage in training workshops to better understand the regulations and adapt to changes.
- Consult with us as experts to develop effective compliance strategies for this complex regulatory environment.
- Read the full text of the EU AI Act on the European Parliament’s website, or join our AI governance programme where we help you understand it.
