📋 Tender Overview
The AI Act was adopted at the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Telecoms Council) attended by Minister of State, Ossian Smyth today and is expected to enter into force next month. The Act, which is an EU regulation, aims to protect people’s health, safety and fundamental rights, while simultaneously promoting the adoption of trustworthy, human-centric AI. A key objective is to ensure that the EU remains competitive for AI investment and innovation by adopting a risk-based approach and focusing on applications of AI systems to ensure that the conformance requirements for AI systems, and the obligation on providers and deployers of such systems, are targeted and proportionate.
The obligations under the Act will be phased in over a period of 36 months, with the key obligations in place within 24 months. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is leading the national implementation of the AI Act and is now seeking submissions from interested parties to guide it in this work.
Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke, said: "The EU AI Act is a highly significant regulation which strikes an important balance between boosting innovation and supporting the adoption of artificial intelligence technologies, while also ensuring that this takes place in an ethical and responsible way. As the first such regulation in the world, it will likely set the standard for AI regulation in other jurisdictions.
"An ambitious timeline has been agreed in relation to the obligations set out under this Act, and a public consultation is being launched today to ensure all voices are heard. I would urge all interested parties to participate."
Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Dara Calleary added: "The AI Act is a hugely significant piece of legislation and the first of its kind, ensuring AI systems will be used in a trustworthy and ethical manner to protect individuals’ rights while harnessing the benefits that this technology brings. I look forward to rich engagement with our stakeholders during this consultation process."
