As the European AI law prepares to come into force tomorrow, industry experts assess its potential impact, highlighting its role in building trust and encouraging responsible adoption of AI.
Curtis Wilson, Data Engineer at Synopsys Software Integrity Groupbelieves the new regulation could be a crucial step in addressing the AI industry’s most pressing challenge: building trust.
“The biggest problem facing AI developers is not regulation, but the lack of trust in AI,” Wilson said. “For an AI system to reach its full potential, it must be trusted by the people who use it.”
This sentiment is echoed by Paul Cardno, Global Digital Automation & Innovation Senior Manager at 3Mwho noted: “With nearly 80% of UK adults now believing AI should be heavily regulated, the introduction of the EU AI Act is something businesses have been waiting a long time for.”
Both experts emphasize the law’s potential to build trust in AI technologies. Wilson explained that while his company has internal measures in place to build trust, external regulation is just as important.
“I see regulatory frameworks like the European AI Act as a critical element in building trust in AI,” Wilson said. “Strict rules and punitive fines will deter negligent developers and help customers feel more confident in using AI systems.”
Cardno added: “We know that AI is shaping the future, but businesses will only be able to reap the benefits if they have the confidence to rethink existing processes and break free from entrenched structures.”
The European AI law focuses primarily on high-risk systems and fundamental models. Wilson noted that many of its requirements align with existing data science best practices, such as risk management, testing procedures and comprehensive documentation.
For UK businesses, the impact of the EU AI law extends beyond those selling directly into EU markets.
Wilson noted that some aspects of the law could apply to Northern Ireland because of the Windsor framework. In addition, the UK government is developing its own AI regulations, with a recent white paper focusing on interoperability with EU and US regulations.
“While EU law is not perfect and needs to be assessed against other global regulations, having a clear framework and guidance on AI from one of the world’s leading economies will help encourage those who remain undecided to take advantage of the AI revolution,” Cardno explained.
While acknowledging that the new regulations could create friction, particularly around registration and certification, Wilson stressed that many of the requirements under the law are already standard practice for responsible businesses. He acknowledged, however, that smaller businesses and startups could face greater challenges.
“Small businesses and startups will face more severe challenges,” Wilson said. “The regulations recognize that and include provisions for sandboxes to foster AI innovation for these smaller businesses.”
However, Wilson notes that these sandboxes will be established at a national level by each EU member state, potentially limiting access for UK companies.
As the AI landscape continues to evolve, the European AI Act represents an important step towards establishing a framework for the responsible development and deployment of AI.
“Having a clear framework and guidance on AI from one of the world’s leading economies will help encourage those who remain hesitant to take advantage of the AI revolution, ensuring that it has a safe and continued positive influence for all organisations operating across the EU, which can only be a promising step forward for the industry,” concludes Cardno.
(Photo by Guillaume Perigois)
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