European Commission Establishing the European AI Office
On January 24, 2024, the European Commission published its decision, of the same date, establishing the European Artificial Intelligence Office (“The Artificial Intelligence Office”). In particular, the Commission noted that the AI Office should be established within the Commission as part of the administrative structure of the Directorate General for Communication Networks, Content and Technology. More specifically, the Commission clarified that the AI Office must not affect the powers and competences of national competent authorities, and bodies, offices, and agencies of the EU in the supervision of artificial intelligence (AI) systems.
The Commission outlined the following tasks of the AI Office, including:
- Developing tools, methodologies, and benchmarks for evaluating capabilities of general-purpose AI models, in particular for very large general-purpose AI models with systemic risks;
- Monitoring the implementation and application of rules on general-purpose AI models and systems, in particular where the model and the system are developed by the same provider;
- Monitoring the emergence of unforeseen risks stemming from general-purpose AI models, including by responding to alerts from the scientific panel;
- Investigating possible infringements of rules on general-purpose AI models and systems; and
- Supporting the implementation of rules on prohibited AI practices and high-risk AI systems in coordination with relevant bodies responsible under sectoral legislation.
Regarding the implementation of the EU AI Act, the Commission provides that the AI Office is tasked with:
- Facilitating the uniform application of the AI Act;
- Assisting the Commission in the preparation of guidance and guidelines to support the practical implementation of the AI Act; and
- Providing technical support, advice, and tools for the establishment and operation of AI regulatory sandboxes and coordination.
In undertaking the above, the European Commission will also take into account planned EU political and legislative initiatives as well as all applicable existing legislation, including non-discrimination, accessibility, information security and data protection. On the other hand, the Commission is also expected to take into account best practices and examples in the sector, both at national and international level.
In conclusion, the European Office for Artificial Intelligence demonstrates the European Union’s ambition to be a pioneer in ethical AI governance. The Office was established to strike a balance between technological developments and societal values. However, it may face some challenges in balancing the rapid development of technology and the interests of different stakeholders such as technology companies, member states and civil society. The success of the Office is important for shaping Europe’s role in AI and setting global standards.