ArtificialIntelligence (AI) has fast become a phenomenon across the globe. As a specifictype of technology, it raises various legal implications from data protection,cybersecurity to intellectual property implications. With the coming into forceof the EU AI Act, businesses investing in AI now also have a regulatory aspectto consider.
Our technologylawyers are monitoring developments in this field both at a local level and anEU level and applying their legal expertise in different areas to address thelegal implications posed by AI.
The AI Act
Artificial Intelligence will now be regulated on an EU level under an EU Regulation, the first-ever legislation on AI aimed at addressing the risks created by AI. The new rules are aimed at AI developers and deployers which must be aware of the level of risk of their AI systems and any obligations which they must abide by.
Whilst AI systems may pose certain risks to users, a robust legislative framework can mitigate these risks through specific obligations on providers, while simultaneously encouraging investment in the field and a more legal certainty for businesses in the AI industry.
National Strategy
The national AI strategy for Malta was launched in 2019 with the title ‘Strategy and Vision for Artificial Intelligence in Malta 2030’. Malta has always been at the forefront of regulating and planning incentives aimed at new technologies. Thus, the strategy focused on three strategic pillars and three strategic enablers to encourage investment, innovation and adoption in the field. The ethical aspects of AI applications were also addressed through the Malta Ethical AI Framework, aimed at establishing principles to ensure the governance of AI.
Currently, the Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA), as the leading entity on Malta’s implementation of the AI Act, is carrying out a re-alignment of the national AI strategy and vision. Our lawyers are monitoring the development of such strategy, given the recent legislative initiatives on AI.
Our Vision
We are committed to being first movers in the AI field, striving to encompass AI within technology transformations by studying, testing and deploying several AI technologies. Our firm strongly believes that holding back due to lack of legal, risk and compliance guidance is a risk as competitors overtake by being first movers.