Government’s Bodies for EU AI Act Enforcement
In a significant move towards regulating artificial intelligence, the Government has unveiled a list of nine national public authorities that will be responsible for enforcing the new EU Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act. This initiative aims to safeguard fundamental rights in instances where AI usage poses a substantial risk to those rights.
The designated authorities will be endowed with enhanced powers under the AI Act, enabling them to access essential documentation maintained by AI developers and deployers. This access is pivotal for ensuring compliance and transparency in high-risk AI systems. Among the listed authorities are notable bodies such as the Electoral Commission, the media regulator Coimisiún na Meán, the Data Protection Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman, the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, the Ombudsman, the Ombudsman for Children, and the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces.
The introduction of the AI Act came into effect in August and signifies a ban on artificial intelligence systems deemed a direct threat to the safety, livelihoods, and rights of individuals. This ambitious regulatory framework includes stringent rules for high-risk AI systems that are utilized in vital areas such as critical infrastructure, law enforcement, or electoral processes. Importantly, foundation models, including widely used systems like ChatGPT, will now be subject to transparency obligations prior to entering the market.
Moreover, systems capable of producing manipulated content, such as deepfakes, must clearly indicate that the material is generated by AI, reinforcing the commitment to transparency in digital content creation. Additionally, the Act imposes regulations on governmental uses of AI pertaining to biometric surveillance, actively addressing concerns about privacy and security.
The recent announcement regarding the appointment of these national public authorities represents Ireland’s first step towards the comprehensive implementation of the AI Act. Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Dara Calleary, remarked on the commitment to effective execution of the Act, stating, “The Government is committed to comprehensive and effective implementation of the AI Act and the publication of this list is an important first step in this regard.” Mr. Calleary emphasized that the new powers conferred to these authorities will bolster their capabilities in safeguarding fundamental rights amid the deployment of certain high-risk AI systems.
To ensure ongoing relevance and effectiveness, this list of authorities will be communicated to the European Commission and will undergo regular review by the Minister for future adjustments as national authorities evolve. This proactive approach indicates a robust strategy to integrate ethical considerations into technological advancements.