In an environment where artificial intelligence (AI) continues to advance rapidly, businesses globally are adopting this technology to enhance analytics, improve productivity, and reduce manual tasks. However, as companies implement AI, they must remain compliant with impending regulations, particularly as the landscape is currently unregulated. The choices made today will significantly impact future operations.
New use cases for AI are emerging across various sectors, necessitating regulatory compliance to remain competitive. Future regulations will likely govern general development and implementation of AI and specific use cases, such as content moderation. AI-generated images, including illegal or age-restricted content, are proliferating, with deepfakes increasing by 780% in Europe over the past year. This underscores the urgency for businesses to adopt tools to identify and remove illegal AI-generated content, collaborating with like-minded entities to address this challenge.
Legislators worldwide are expected to announce AI regulations soon. The EU’s proposed Artificial Intelligence Act represents a significant step as the first draft regulation from a major legislative body, expected to set a global standard. The Act categorises AI use into three risk levels: unacceptable, high-risk, and others, which are largely unregulated. Although still under debate, this Act will likely influence future legislation globally, including in the UK and the US. Businesses must closely monitor these developments to understand their compliance obligations and potential impacts.
Businesses need to evaluate their AI deployment strategies to gauge compliance obligations. Compliance often incurs costs, particularly for high-risk organisations or small to medium-sized enterprises. Outsourcing to experts may be more cost-effective than developing in-house solutions. Third-party vendors can ensure AI is utilised in an explainable manner, crucial under regulatory scrutiny. Additionally, staying informed about regulations in every operational market is essential. Regular audits and risk assessments, coupled with thorough documentation of policies and processes, are vital for demonstrating compliance.
Training and development at all levels are critical for employees involved in AI deployment, ensuring they understand their compliance responsibilities. Continuous improvement practices, based on feedback and best practices, will enhance AI governance. In content moderation, businesses must align with similar entities to effectively manage and mitigate illegal and age-restricted AI-generated content. Robust training programs help establish a foundation for proactive responses to emerging challenges, ensuring ethical and responsible AI use.
As AI technology evolves, regulatory landscapes will develop in tandem. Businesses must stay vigilant, informed, and proactive in compliance efforts to navigate these changes effectively. By adopting robust strategies and collaborating with industry peers, companies can ensure ethical and responsible AI deployment.
