AI Pact Faces Hurdles
Following the AI Act’s entry into force, the European Union (EU) has launched the AI Pact which has had a rocky start given that companies such as Apple and Meta have decided not to sign it at this stage.
The AI Act entered into force on the 1st of August 2024. Whilst certain provisions are already fully applicable, most of the provisions will become applicable on the date of applicability, following the end of the transitional period.
As a natural consequence, on the 25th of September 2024, the European Commission launched the voluntary Artificial Intelligence (AI) Pact aimed at encouraging and supporting organisations to implement the measures of the AI Act, before its date of applicability.
The AI Pact in a Nutshell
According to the European Commission’s press release, the signatories of the AI Pact must commit to a minimum of three key actions:
- AI governance strategy: This is aimed at encouraging the adoption of AI within the organization while preparing for future compliance with the AI Act.
- High-risk AI systems mapping: Identifying AI systems that are likely to be classified as high-risk under the provisions of the AI Act.
- Enhancing AI literacy and awareness among employees to ensure the ethical and responsible development of AI.
Certain signatories have also committed to further pledges which are specifically adjusted for their activities, such as mitigating risks and human oversight.
One notes that such actions are likely to involve new systems and procedures in place to achieve effective AI governance and mapping of high-risk AI systems.
Conflicting Responses to the AI Pact
Over a hundred major tech companies including Amazon, Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, and Samsung, have signed the pledge according to the list of pledge signatories issued by the European Commission. This is an encouraging show of commitment from some of the largest players in the tech industry.
However, the AI Pact is seen by many as having a rocky start given that certain key players in the industry, including Apple, Meta, X and Tiktok, are notably not part of the list of pledge signatories.
In a statement given to Politico, Anna Kuprian, a Meta spokesperson stated that
“we welcome harmonised EU rules and are focusing on our compliance work under the AI Act at this time, but we don’t rule out our joining the AI Pact at a later stage.”
Kuprian further stated that: “We also shouldn’t lose sight of AI’s huge potential to foster European innovation and enable competition or else the EU will miss out on this once-in-a-generation opportunity,”
These responses add onto the current growing concerns in relation to the new regulations on AI across the EU and potentially indicates a certain hesitancy with respect to the regulation of AI. These concerns, as depicted by Meta, arise from the fear of stifling innovation and developments of AI across the EU due to such restrictive regulations. In fact, recently, Apple delayed its launch of its AI-driven assistance due to European regulatory concerns under the Digital Markets Act.
Implications for Businesses Investing in AI
The current landscape reflects both challenges and opportunities for businesses. On one hand, the commitment of major tech companies to the AI Pact demonstrates a strong industry drive toward responsible AI development and governance. On the other hand, the absence and hesitancy of key technology players, underscore the potential friction between regulation and innovation.
Businesses must navigate this delicate balance, ensuring they remain innovative and at the same time compliant with emerging regulations to avoid delays and setbacks.
Reach out to us to understand how we help businesses lead in AI adoption with legal confidence.
