“Key Dates and Actions Announced in the EU AI Act Publication”

**Key Dates and Actions Announced in the EU AI Act Publication**

The European Union (EU) has taken significant strides toward regulating artificial intelligence (AI) with the introduction of the EU AI Act, a landmark legislative framework aimed at ensuring the safe and ethical use of AI technologies across its member states. As one of the first comprehensive AI regulations in the world, the EU AI Act has garnered global attention for its ambitious scope and potential impact on innovation, governance, and human rights. This article highlights the key dates and actions announced in the publication of the EU AI Act, providing a roadmap for stakeholders to understand and prepare for its implementation.

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### **Background of the EU AI Act**

The EU AI Act was first proposed by the European Commission on April 21, 2021, as part of the EU’s broader strategy to create a trustworthy AI ecosystem. The legislation aims to balance the promotion of innovation with the mitigation of risks associated with AI technologies. It adopts a risk-based approach, classifying AI systems into four categories: unacceptable risk, high risk, limited risk, and minimal risk, with corresponding obligations for developers, deployers, and users.

The Act is designed to address concerns such as bias, transparency, accountability, and the protection of fundamental rights, while fostering a competitive environment for AI development within the EU.

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### **Key Dates in the EU AI Act Timeline**

1. **April 21, 2021: Proposal of the EU AI Act**
– The European Commission unveiled the draft of the EU AI Act, marking the beginning of the legislative process. The proposal outlined the risk-based framework and the obligations for AI system providers and users.

2. **June 14, 2023: European Parliament Approval**
– The European Parliament voted to adopt its position on the EU AI Act, incorporating amendments to the original proposal. This marked a significant milestone in the legislative process, as it reflected the consensus among EU lawmakers on key provisions such as bans on certain AI practices and stricter requirements for high-risk AI systems.

3. **December 2023: Expected Final Agreement**
– The EU institutions, including the European Commission, European Parliament, and the Council of the European Union, are expected to reach a final agreement on the text of the EU AI Act by the end of 2023. This “trilogue” process involves negotiations to reconcile differences between the positions of the Parliament and the Council.

4. **Mid-2024: Formal Adoption and Publication**
– Once the final text is agreed upon, the EU AI Act will be formally adopted and published in the Official Journal of the European Union. This marks the beginning of the implementation phase.

5. **2025-2026: Implementation Period**
– Following its publication, the EU AI Act will include a transition period (typically 2-3 years) to allow member states, businesses, and other stakeholders to prepare for compliance. The Act is expected to become fully enforceable by 2025 or 2026.

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### **Key Actions Announced in the EU AI Act**

The EU AI Act outlines several critical actions and obligations for stakeholders, depending on the risk classification of AI systems:

1. **Prohibition of Unacceptable Risk AI**
– AI systems deemed to pose an unacceptable risk to fundamental rights, safety, or democratic values are banned outright. Examples include AI systems used for social scoring by governments or manipulative practices targeting vulnerable populations.

2. **Regulation of High-Risk AI Systems**
– High-risk AI systems, such as those used in critical infrastructure, healthcare, law enforcement, and education, must comply with stringent requirements. These include:
– Conducting risk assessments.
– Ensuring transparency and explainability.
– Implementing robust data governance practices.
– Undergoing third-party conformity assessments.

3. **Transparency Obligations for Limited Risk AI**
– AI systems with limited risk, such as chatbots or deepfake generators, must meet transparency requirements. For instance, users must be informed when they are interacting with an AI system or when content has been artificially generated.

4. **Minimal Risk AI Systems**
– Minimal risk AI systems, such as spam filters or AI-powered video games, are largely exempt from regulatory obligations. However, providers are encouraged to adhere to voluntary codes of conduct.

5. **Creation of an EU AI Database**
– The Act mandates the establishment of an EU-wide database for high-risk AI systems. This database will be managed by the European Commission and will provide public access to information about registered AI systems, fostering transparency and accountability.

6. **Establishment of National Supervisory Authorities**
– Each EU member state will designate a national supervisory authority to oversee the implementation and enforcement of the EU AI Act. These authorities will work in coordination with the European Artificial Intelligence Board (EAIB), a new body tasked with ensuring harmonized application of the rules across the EU.

7. **Penalties