Earlier this year, the European Union signed the AI Act into law, a first-of-its-kind piece of legislation that establishes a risk-based framework to make sure that the technology is ethically used and potential societal risks are mitigated.
5 Key Components of an AI Compliance Plan
- Training. Offer workshops, seminars and online courses to keep pace with AI advancements and regulatory needs.
- Data privacy. Ensure all AI applications comply with data protection laws.
- Transparency and accountability. Maintain transparent AI operations to build trust and assign clear accountability for AI decisions.
- Bias mitigation. Identify and eliminate biases in AI algorithms.
- Ethical guidelines. Develop and adhere to ethical guidelines for AI use.
In September, the United States joined the EU and the UK in signing the first international AI treaty, known as the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law. Similar to the AI Act, the treaty aims to make sure that AI systems are developed and deployed in a manner that respects human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
Although the treaty may provide a clear “why” in terms of the need for ethical AI, the “how” is not predetermined and will vary by organization. It is essential to develop an AI governance framework tailored to each organization’s needs, culture and resources. It will fall upon business leaders to figure it out, a process that will require concrete policies and procedures, educating employees, testing and monitoring. Here’s where to start.
What Is the AI Act?
The AI Act is a piece of legislation enacted earlier this year by the European Union that establishes a risk-based framework to ensure artificial intelligence is used in an ethical and safe way. It signals further developments in AI regulation, and organizations should start preparing now to adhere to this and similar legal frameworks.
Develop Clear Policies and Procedures
Establish comprehensive and detailed policies and procedures that align with the EU AI Act and the AI treaty to make sure your organization adheres to all relevant legal standards and guidelines. Though there isn’t one rulebook organizations can pull their AI policies from, it’s important to develop internal policies that align with the principles outlined in both the EU AI Act and the international treaty. These guidelines should be clear, concise and easily understood by all employees.
Crafting these policies is only half the battle. Your workforce must be aware of them and understand their implications. This may vary for each organization, but it is vital for leaders to model these practices, as employees are likely to follow their example. Equally important is making these policies easily accessible by using an intranet or database that all employees can reach.
For successful implementation, your policies should serve as extensive guidelines for data privacy, outlining protocols for data collection, storage, handling and deletion. Implement regular and detailed bias assessments to identify, monitor and mitigate any unintended discrimination that may arise from AI applications.
Train Employees on AI-Related Best Practices
Educate your team thoroughly about new legislation and its potential implications for their work and the organization as a whole. Develop and deliver detailed training sessions on ethical AI practices, emphasizing data privacy, transparency and accountability in AI usage. Given tighter budgets, staffing shortages and increasing regulatory requirements, adopting a flexible, risk-based approach to learning is essential.
Risk-based learning helps your AI compliance training program meet its goals and provides genuine value. By customizing training to address specific risks each employee encounters, you can optimize resource allocation and enhance engagement through meaningful development opportunities. This approach prioritizes critical training needs, ensuring leadership development and technology skills align with strategic goals. Leaders can make informed decisions on learning priorities, keeping compliance training aligned with technological advancements.
These programs should also teach employees to recognize both overt and subtle biases and address them effectively, upholding high ethical standards. Include case studies and real-world examples to make training relatable and effective. This approach fosters a culture of risk awareness, minimizes legal and regulatory risks, prepares managers for challenges and mitigates technology-related risks, thereby enhancing overall risk management. Continuous risk assessments and evaluations enable quick adaptation to emerging challenges, maintaining the relevance and effectiveness of compliance, leadership and technology training. Regularly update training programs to keep them current and effective.
Encourage Collaboration
To enhance understanding and implementation of AI use cases, employees need to collaborate across departments like IT, legal and human resources. Pooling diverse perspectives and expertise lets the entire organization grasp and seamlessly integrate AI solutions. Cross-functional meetings should be conducted to evaluate the effect of new regulations on these use cases and to craft strategic plans to overcome potential challenges.
Additionally, engage with external stakeholders, including AI vendors, consultants and industry experts so everyone is aligned with legislative requirements, fostering shared responsibility and mutual accountability. This collaborative approach strengthens the organization’s commitment to ethical AI practices.
Promote Transparency
Ensure employees grasp the importance of transparency in AI decision-making processes. Teach them to meticulously document these processes and make these records easily accessible for review. Such practices ensure compliance and enhance the reliability, fairness and efficiency of AI systems.
Encourage employees to view regular audits as opportunities for continuous learning. Involve them in these audits to build their competencies in compliance and ethical AI practices and reinforce the significance of audits in fostering stakeholder trust.
Keep Up With AI Regulation News
Staying updated on the rapidly evolving field of AI regulation is essential for employees, as it helps them navigate the complexities of compliance. By encouraging employees to subscribe to relevant industry publications, newsletters and alerts, they can receive timely updates on AI regulations and best practices, which in turn empower them with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions. Attending conferences, webinars and workshops allows them to engage with industry leaders and peers, gaining valuable insights into emerging trends and regulatory changes.
This continuous learning approach makes sure that employees remain knowledgeable and adaptable and fosters a sense of responsibility and confidence in their roles. Consequently, staying informed about AI regulation news helps employees contribute more effectively to maintaining the organization’s compliance, adaptability and competitiveness in the ever-advancing world of AI technology.
As regulations, practices, frameworks, policies, tools and stakeholders continue to expand in the AI governance landscape, organizations must tailor their compliance programs to address the specific risks associated with AI development and deployment within their operations.
