The European Union is poised to inaugurate its pioneering AI Office, which will commence operations on June 16. Tasked with overseeing the implementation of the groundbreaking AI Act, this office represents a significant step in regulating artificial intelligence within the region. Led by Lucilla Sioli, a seasoned expert in AI and digital industries, the office comprises a team of 140 professionals, including technology specialists, lawyers, and economists, who will oversee critical functions such as model risk evaluation and enforcement of AI regulations.
The AI Act, the first-ever binding regulation on artificial intelligence, imposes strict prohibitions on high-risk AI applications, such as emotion recognition, in sensitive environments like workplaces and schools. Furthermore, it bans practices like social scoring and the creation of facial recognition databases through the scraping of CCTV footage. Violations of these regulations could result in hefty fines, with companies facing penalties of up to 35 million euros or 7% of their annual turnover.
In addition to enforcing existing regulations, the AI Office is tasked with proposing further rules on general-purpose AI and releasing comprehensive guidelines on AI systems and prohibitions. This proactive approach underscores the European Union’s commitment to fostering the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies amidst growing concerns over their ethical and societal implications. The establishment of the AI Office signifies a pivotal moment in shaping the future of AI governance in the European Union and beyond.
