In April 2018 the European Commission published their approach on AI which called for the appointment of a High-Level Expert Group on AI (AI HLEG). Following this publication, the Commission opened up the selection process for applications, of which 52 experts were then appointed to the new AI HLEG. The experts consist of representatives from academia, civil society, and industry so as to create an interdisciplinary group.
The AI HLEG’s general objective is to both support and advise on the implementation of EU strategy concerning Artificial Intelligence. The scope of the group’s work will cover but is not limited to: the elaboration of recommendations on future-related policy development, ethical issues, legal issues, and societal issues related to AI. The AI HLEG will also serve the European AI Alliance as the steering group for initiatives, stimulating multi-stakeholder dialogue, gathering participants’ views, and reflecting them in analysis and reports.
The group had been tasked in particular with advising the Commission on the next steps in which to take concerning AI-related developments that may cause long-term challenges as well as create potential opportunities. These recommendations will then be used to help aid the policy development process as well as the development of the next-generation digital strategy. The AI HLEG is set to release a policy and investment recommendation in May 2019 on how the EU can strengthen their competitiveness in AI. This will include guidance on a strategic research agenda and the establishment of AI excellence centers.
Additionally, the AI HLEG released on 18 December 2018 the proposed first draft AI ethics guidelines. These ethical guidelines cover a wide range of issues pertaining to AI such as fairness, safety, transparency, fundamental rights, privacy and personal data protection, non-discrimination, the future of work, etc. The guidelines will be open until 1 February 2019 for comments with the discussion taking place through the European AI Alliance.
With the rapid growth of AI and its applications, the EU is striving to not only catch up to countries such as the US and China in the development of AI, but to also stress the importance of the ethical practice and usage of AI.
What does this mean for business?
Companies should consult and comment on the first draft of ethics guidelines as these guidelines will in turn affect policies that will influence businesses. As AI is becoming more and more prominent in both the management of business as well as the products and services of companies, it is vital that companies pay attention to the development of guidelines surrounding AI. The EU is stressing transparent operations and ethical AI, so if business is looking to invest in any form of AI, they must be aware of the ethical guidelines that will be directing future policies on AI.
To review and comment on the ethical guideline, click here.

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