Association of AI Ethicists
AAIE
The Association of AI Ethicists (AAIE) is the sole professional body for AI ethics professionals, dedicated to developing and expanding qualified and independent AI and digital ethicists globally.
ID: 100222992925-52
Lobbying Activity
Response to Establishment of the scientific panel of independent experts under the AI Act – implementing regulation
15 Nov 2024
The AAIE welcomes the European Commission initiative to establish a scientific panel of independent experts under the AI Act. The AAIE believes the successful operations of the panel depends on assembling a diverse group of experts with a broad spectrum of competencies, capable of addressing the multifaceted challenges AI presents. The AAIE underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary and diverse composition of the panel, echoing Article 3(3)(c) of the Implementing Regulation, which highlights the need for multidisciplinary adequate and up-to-date scientific or technical expertise in the field of artificial intelligence, including expertise pertaining to applied sectors, fundamental rights, and equality, as appropriate. Such diversity should extend beyond academic disciplines to encompass a range of professional backgrounds, including representation from SMEs, academia, NGOs, and various industry sectors. This will enable the panel to provide informed and balanced advice. Accordingly, diversity requirements in Article 3(3)(c) should be better specified in the Implementing Regulation, instead of further delegating the specification of these competencies to the call for expression of interest, as provided for in Article 3(1). Building upon the Implementing Regulations emphasis on expertise in applied sectors Article 3(3)(c), the AAIE recommends prioritizing experts with a deep understanding of AIs potential impacts in crucial sectors such as education, healthcare, social services, labour, and public sector. Collaboration with experts in AI and digital ethics should be integral to the panels work. By involving ethicists, the panel can effectively assess and address the complex ethical considerations associated with AI technologies, ensuring that AI development and deployment are guided by European values and fundamental rights principles. Multidisciplinary requirements in Article 3(3)(c) should be better specified or laid down in the Implementing Regulation, instead of further delegating the specification of these competencies to the call for expression of interest, as provided for in Article 3(1). The AAIE encourages the scientific panel to champion AI literacy among stakeholders involved in AI development and deployment. AI literacy requirements in Article 4 of the AI Act are part of the implementation of the AI Act and so they fall in the scope of the scientific panel, as provided for in Article 68. This should be reflected in the Implementing Regulation accordingly. The AAIE recognizes the crucial role of technical standards in implementing the AI Act and highlights the need for the scientific panel to actively engage with the standardization processes. In particular, given the scientific panel responsibilities under Article 68(3)(a-d), the scientific panel should be empowered to deliver opinions regarding the fitness of harmonised standards, as well as provide input to the standardization process. This should be reflected in the Implementing Regulation accordingly. The AAIE believes that by considering these recommendations, the EC can establish a highly effective scientific panel. This panel will be capable of guiding the responsible development and deployment of AI, safeguarding fundamental rights, and promoting societal well-being. The AAIE stands ready to support the EC in this endeavor, offering further input and expertise as needed.
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