Navigating the EU AI Act | Introductory overview and key implications

In short, this study day will cover these topics: 

• AI Act basics
• AI Act and technical standards
• AI Act and cybersecurity
• AI Act and liability
• AI Act and fundamental rights
• AI Act and regulatory sandboxes

AI Act basics (S. Erdogan & S. Verlee)

The EU AI Act introduces new obligations for providers and deployers of AI systems. In this introductory presentation, we will discuss the scope of the AI Act, the different qualifications of AI systems, and the related obligations or requirements. We also provide a look ahead at key deadlines, the status of standards and conformity assessments, and other responsibilities along the AI value chain. This session will be the basis for the more specific topics discussed later in this course.

AI Act and technical standards (K. Vranckaert)

Proving compliance with the AI Act will, in large part, depend on compliance with harmonized technical standards. In this workshop, Koen Vranckaert will explain how standards interact with the AI Act and how the standards landscape must be navigated to make proof of compliance with the AI Act easier. 

AI Act and cybersecurity (E. Kun)

AI Act and Cybersecurity: This session examines cybersecurity requirements for AI systems. Then it examines the regulatory interaction between the EU AI Act and the Cyber Resilience Act, focusing on how both instruments shape cybersecurity obligations for AI-enabled products and services.

AI Act and fundamental rights (A. Palumbo)

An important part of the new obligations of the AI Act relates to the protection of fundamental rights. Developers and deployers will need to assess the impact of AI systems and models on fundamental rights, mitigating any risks where feasible. In this workshop, Andrea Palumbo will explain how these obligations can be interpreted, highlighting the challenges of integrating fundamental rights considerations in risk management processes. Possible solutions to facilitate compliance with these obligations will also be discussed.

AI Act and regulatory sandboxes (A. Papageorgiou)

Aiming to foster innovation while at the same time ensuring regulatory supervision, regulatory sandboxes present great potential for establishing a solid, forward-looking regulatory system. In the current context of the ever-growing proliferation of AI technological products, the AI Act provides an ambitious framework for the establishment of regulatory sandboxes. During this workshop, the opportunities and challenges that arise from AI regulatory sandboxes’ implementation, along with possible mitigation solutions, will be interactively discussed.

AI Act and liability (J. De Bruyne)

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly important in our daily lives, and so is academic research on its impact on various legal domains. One of these fields that has attracted much attention is extra-contractual or tort liability. That is because AI will inevitably cause damage. Reference can be made to accidents involving autonomous vehicles. In this session, Jan De Bruyne will discuss some major and general challenges that arise in this context. He will thereby illustrate the remaining importance of national law and focus on procedural elements, including disclosure requirements and rebuttable presumptions. He will also illustrate how existing tort law concepts are being challenged by AI characteristics and provide an overview of the regulatory answers.