The EU's Artificial Intelligence Act came into effect recently. But what is this new objective, and how will it affect contractors and freelance professionals? In this article, we will address this question by breaking down the objective, how one can ensure compliance with the Act, and who the Act will apply to.
Artificial Intelligence has been a buzzword and a popular topic of discussion in recent years. Its potential benefits and negative impacts have recently been at the forefront of conversation. At 3C Global Group, we even discussed how generative AI will affect freelance employment opportunities and how 2024 saw increased AI usage in the workplace. You can check those articles out on our blog.
The EU's AI Act came into effect on 1 August 2024. This regulation, first considered in 2021 and amended many times, has been in the works for a long time.
What is the EU AI Act?
Believed to be one of the most detailed and vigorous pieces of law globally, the EU AI Act is expected to influence legislation in many other regions and countries worldwide. Utilising a risk-based approach, it regulates Artificial Intelligence technologies. This approach means that AI technologies with more associated risks must abide by more rules under the Act.
The EU AI Act aims to mitigate the adverse effects associated with Artificial technology. Similar to the GDPR, which was adopted in 2016, the EU's new AI Act applies to any and all individuals and bodies that use AI or work in AI solution development. The EU AI Act will also introduce new rules around tools like Chat GPT, which is known as "general-purpose AI models," that set out to generate content.
Compliance considerations:
To comply with the new regulations, contractors and freelance professionals who work with or use AI should take adequate steps to adhere to the requirements under the EU AI Act. One should assess the AI systems they utilise and the associated risk tier. Now is the time for those who use AI to familiarise themselves with the new regulations and prepare for their rollout. Many regulations concerning general-purpose AI models will see a rollout in 2025, whereas other concerting applications with more risk will be affected sooner. The remaining regulations will be in full force by August 2026.
Fines and other penalties could be imposed on those who fail to comply with the new regulations.
What do these new regulations mean for contractors and freelance professionals?
The new regulations bring some positive changes and opportunities for contractors and freelance professionals. One positive change is that new accountability and transparency standards will be implemented in employment management systems powered by AI. This could lead to additional oversights, which will, in turn, help minimise bias and make these practices more equal. In addition, the AI ACT may bring about further opportunities for IT contractors who are well-versed in the regulations.
The measures aim to improve the quality of AI systems and make them more safe and reliable for adopters. Additionally, the new measures could encourage a greater understanding of these systems and encourage their utilisation.
In conclusion:
While the EU's AI Act may come with some limitations for some, alongside some additional compliance considerations, it also presents a chance for individuals to further their understanding of AI and its impact. As the regulations continue to roll out, it's crucial for those who work with or utilise AI to familiarise themselves with the requirements and prepare for the changes ahead. If you are interested in learning more about pursuing a career as a freelance professional or contractor or plan to hire one, please do not hesitate to contact us today. Whatever your contracting query, our team is on hand to help.
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