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AI Literacy Requirements Under the AI Act: Steps for Compliance

The EU Artificial Intelligence Act, which came into force on 1 August 1 2024. This article explores the importance of AI literacy, which comes into effect on 2 February 2025 how to implement effective training programmes, and the challenges you may face in this process. As in-house counsel, DPOs and C-suite members are grappling at the latest compliance demand, RMOK has set out its thoughts on how to plan for AI literacy (only 15 weeks away!).

Key Takeaways

  • The EU AI Act requires organisations to ensure their employees understand AI systems and their implications.

  • AI literacy is crucial for making informed decisions about AI technologies and managing associated risks.

  • You should assess current AI literacy levels to identify training needs and gaps.

  • Tailored training programmes should be created to address specific roles and responsibilities related to AI.

  • Continuous education and updates are necessary to keep pace with the evolving nature of AI technologies.


Understanding the EU AI Act

What is the EU AI Act?

The EU AI Act is a big deal! This law aims to tackle risks to health, safety, and fundamental rights. Basically, it’s all about making sure AI is used safely and ethically.

Key Dates and Deadlines

Here are some important dates you should keep in mind:

12 July 2024 AI Act published in the Official Journal

1 August 2024 AI Act comes into effect

1 February 2025 Rules on AI literacy requirements start

Who Needs to Comply?

Even though you are UK based, if you’re involved in AI and your company is doing business in any part of the EU, you need to pay attention! Here’s who needs to be on top of this:

  • Developers of AI systems

  • Operators using AI in their work.

What does the AI Act say?

Article 4: "Providers and deployers of AI systems shall take measures to ensure, to their best extent, a sufficient level of AI literacy of their staff and other persons dealing with the operation and use of AI systems on their behalf, taking into account their technical knowledge, experience, education and training and the context the AI systems are to be used in, and considering the persons or groups of persons on whom the AI systems are to be used".

Article 3(56): AI literacy means "skills, knowledge and understanding that allows providers, deployers and affected persons, taking into account their respective rights and obligations in the context of this Regulation, to make an informed deployment of AI systems, as well as to gain awareness about the opportunities and risks of AI and possible harm it can cause".


The Importance of AI Literacy

So, why is AI literacy such a big deal? Well, it’s all about making sure everyone understands how to use artificial intelligence safely and effectively. Here are a few reasons:

  • Informed Decisions: Knowing how AI works helps you make better choices.

  • Risk Awareness: Understanding the potential dangers can protect you and your organisation.

  • Harnessing Benefits: With the right knowledge, you can use AI to your advantage (eg, improved efficiency; better compliance; enhanced innovation).


Developing AI Literacy Programmes

Assessing Current AI Literacy Levels

First things first, you need to check where everyone stands with their AI knowledge. This means figuring out what your team knows and what they don’t. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Surveys: Send out a quick survey to gauge understanding.

  2. Interviews: Chat with team members to get deeper insights.

  3. Workshops: Host a workshop to see how they handle AI tasks.

Creating Tailored Training Programmes

Once you know the gaps, it’s time to create some training that fits your team’s needs. Here’s what you might like to include:

  • Basics of AI: Make sure everyone understands what AI is and how it works.

  • Ethics and Compliance: Teach them about the importance of compliance and the ethical side of AI.

  • Hands-on Training: Give practical examples and scenarios to work through.

    Note: the level of training is heavily dependent on the AI risk. If you are using high-risk AI systems, bespoke and confidential training should be considered.

Continuous Education and Updates

AI is always changing, so your training shouldn’t be a one-off. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

  • Regular Updates: Schedule updates every few months to cover new trends.

  • Refresher Courses: Offer short courses to reinforce learning.

  • Feedback Loops: Get feedback from your team to improve the training.

Remember, keeping your team informed about AI is not just about ticking boxes; it’s about building a culture of understanding and responsibility.


Implementing AI Literacy in the Workplace

Internal Policies and Procedures

To get AI literacy rolling in your workplace, you need to set some solid internal policies. Here’s what you should consider:

  • Regular Training: Make it a rule that all relevant staff undergo AI literacy training regularly.

  • Monitoring: Create procedures to check how effective your training is. This helps you see what’s working and what’s not.

  • Documentation: Keep records of all training sessions and compliance measures. You might need to show these to regulatory bodies later.

Collaborating with Industry Bodies

Don’t go it alone! Teaming up with industry groups and educational institutions can really help. Here’s how:

  • Stay Updated: Collaborate to keep up with the latest trends and best practises in AI literacy.

  • Share Resources: Pool resources for training materials and workshops.

  • Network: Build connections that can lead to new opportunities and insights.


Challenges and Solutions in AI Literacy

Overcoming Common Obstacles

Getting everyone on board with AI literacy can feel like a tough mountain to climb. Here are some common hurdles you might face:

  • Lack of Awareness: Many people don’t even know what AI literacy is or why it matters.

  • Resource Limitations: Not every organisation has the budget or time to invest in training.

  • Resistance to Change: Some people might be set in their ways and hesitant to learn new things.

Best Practises for Success

To tackle these challenges, consider these best practises:

  1. Start Small: Begin with basic training sessions to build awareness.

  2. Engage Everyone: Make sure to involve all levels of staff in the training process.

  3. Use Real Examples: Show how AI impacts daily tasks to make it relatable.


Future of AI Literacy and Compliance

Upcoming Changes and Trends

As the landscape of AI continues to evolve, staying ahead of regulations is crucial. The EU AI Act is just the beginning, and you can expect more changes in the future. Here are some trends to watch out for:

  • Increased focus on algorithmic auditing to ensure fairness and transparency.

  • More stringent conformity assessments to verify compliance with AI standards.

  • Growing demand for in-house legal counsel to navigate the complexities of AI regulations.

Long-term Benefits for Businesses

Investing in AI literacy isn’t just about compliance; it’s about future-proofing your business. Here are some long-term benefits:

  1. Enhanced trust with customers and stakeholders.

  2. Improved decision-making through better understanding of AI tools.

  3. Competitive advantage in a tech-driven market.

Staying Ahead of Regulations

To keep your organisation compliant and thriving, consider these steps:

  • Start early: Don’t wait for the last minute to implement AI literacy programmes.

  • Leverage expertise: Collaborate with educational institutions for effective training.

  • Monitor updates: Stay informed about changes in regulations to adjust your strategies accordingly.

By proactively developing comprehensive AI literacy programmes, you can navigate regulations effectively and maintain a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

In summary, the future of AI literacy and compliance is bright, but it requires commitment and foresight. Embrace the changes, and you’ll not only comply but thrive!


Wrapping It Up: Embracing AI Literacy

So, as we gear up for the AI Act, it’s clear that understanding AI isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a must. Companies need to get their heads around the risks and benefits of AI, and that starts with proper training (after having created their AI inventory and completing their conformity assessment). By focusing on AI literacy, businesses can not only comply with new rules but also create a safer and more responsible environment for everyone involved.

Compliance Steps for Businesses

Ensuring AI literacy is vital for fostering trust and promoting responsible AI practices. By proactively assessing, educating, and monitoring AI literacy within your organization, your business can navigate these new requirements effectively and maintain a competitive edge.

Would you like to explore more about AI literacy or need further assistance with compliance strategies? Let’s talk!


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