Artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a strategic lever for businesses, transforming processes and improving decision-making. Faced with this revolution, the European Union has introduced the AI Act, a regulation designed to ensure responsible and ethical use of these technologies. How does this regulatory framework impact your company? What measures should you adopt to ensure compliance, while taking advantage of the opportunities offered? Here’s how.
IA Act: what does this new regulation consist of?
The IA Act is the first European regulation dedicated to artificial intelligence. Its aim is to encourage innovation, while establishing safeguards to prevent abuses. Rather than imposing uniform restrictions, it classifies AI systems according to their level of risk, and imposes requirements tailored to each category.
Beyond this classification, the IA Act introduces essential obligations for companies. It requires transparency of algorithms, human oversight of automated decisions, and mechanisms to enable users to understand and challenge decisions made by AI. This approach aims to strengthen consumer and partner confidence in AI solutions.
Classification of AI systems: what impact for your company?
The AI Act establishes four levels of risk, each entailing specific obligations:
- Prohibited AI: Certain systems presenting a clear danger are banned, notably those dedicated to mass surveillance or the psychological manipulation of users.
- High-risk AI: This category covers critical applications, such as those used in the medical sector, critical infrastructure or recruitment. These systems must meet strict requirements in terms of transparency, human control and data quality.
- Limited-risk AI: This level concerns systems requiring greater transparency, such as chatbots or content generators. Users must be informed when they interact with artificial intelligence.
- Low-risk AI: Solutions with minimal impact, such as content recommendations or certain automated tools, are subject to lighter obligations.
How can you prepare your company for the IA Act?
The entry into force of the AI Act requires companies to review their use of artificial intelligence. Here are the key steps to prepare effectively:
- Assess your use of AI: Identify the AI systems operating within your company and determine their classification according to the criteria of the IA Act.
- Bring your tools into compliance: If your AI falls into the category of high-risk systems, you need to guarantee algorithm transparency and provide for human oversight of automated decisions.
- Train your teams to use AI: Investing in appropriate AI training enables employees to better understand regulatory issues and integrate best practices for effective, compliant adoption of AI in business. Specialized organizations, such as Efimove, offer training to support this transition.
- Rely on AI experts: Collaborating with artificial intelligence specialists like those at Efimove, can help you structure your approaches and guarantee compliance with legal requirements.
The AI Act: a strategic opportunity for companies
Far from being a mere constraint, the AI Act represents a strategic opportunity. By guaranteeing ethical and transparent practices, companies can strengthen their credibility and increase the trust of customers and partners.
What’s more, those who anticipate these regulations will benefit from a competitive advantage by proactively structuring their AI strategy. Alignment with the IA Act will also facilitate access to European markets and collaboration with players committed to a responsible approach.
The IA Act redefines the framework for the use of artificial intelligence in Europe. Rather than a constraint, it is an opportunity to structure ethical and transparent AI, thereby strengthening the trust of customers and partners. Anticipating these new obligations enables companies to position themselves sustainably on the market. Efimove supports this transition by offering specialized AI training and AI solutions tailored to companies’ needs, to help them integrate AI responsibly and effectively.
