We are exploring the AI Act further, consolidating the understanding on the implications of this pioneering regulation. The immediate entering into force has sparked debate around Article 4 of the AI Act.
“Providers and deployers of AI systems shall take measures to ensure, to their best extent, a sufficient level of AI literacyof 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.”
Social media was flooded by AI speakers and influencers who, taking advantage of the ambiguity around Article 4, took the opportunity to promote their GenAI courses as the perfect fit for complying with the AI literacy requirement.
AI Literacy: A Three Pillar Strategy
The intervention of the Commission during a recent live webinar provided guidance on properly tackling AI Literacy. This clarified that “literacy” should be understood as “awareness and understanding” of the benefits, risks, safeguards, rights and obligations in relation to the use of AI systems.
To comply with Article 4, companies should focus on:
A general understanding of the AI Act
A general understanding of the AI technology, its opportunities and risks
Context-specific knowledge of each AI system in use, its associated risks and safeguards
No One-Size Fits All AI Literacy
When you buy a new dishwasher, it comes with a technical manual to guide proper use. When a farmer invests in a new tractor, the seller provides specialized training to ensure safe and efficient operation.
Personalization is a key component of any AI Literacy programs, as a natural step, required to align the AI technology to what is already happening in other markets.
While technical manuals and training are tailored to specific use cases, AI literacy builds on “common sense” AI knowledge. People, first need the awareness, skills and knowledge to engage with AI in an informed way, acknowledging both its opportunities and potential risks and harms
How Much AI Literacy Is "Sufficient"
Here is where things get extremely confusing, as terminology such as “to their best extent” and “sufficient level” is ambiguous and subjective.
In consolidating the scope of the AI Act, which is ensuring human-centered and responsible use of AI, the Commision is again calling on the “common sense” of the impacted actors.
Proof Of AI Literacy
There is no mention or strict requirement regarding certificates of participation or passing exams to prove AI Literacy. This is again something that the companies have the freedom to document using existing practices, as long as they can provide compliance proof when requested by authorities.
Endorsed Course Providers
The European Commision has NOT endorsed any course provider as of now.
Building on our decade long experience in developing AI tools, and with the right legal partner on our side, we help companies meet their AI Literacy obligations, so they can focus on building great AI solutions.
Giraffa Analytics is the trusted AI Literacy Training provider. Look no further and send us an inquiry for a personalized offer.