The provisions of the AI Act for high-risk systems will not apply until January 2026 – but the obligation to train your own employees will apply from February 2, 2025!
As already described, the AI Act has been in force since summer 2024, but its provisions will only gradually become applicable until 2026. This applies in particular to the regulations on so-called high-risk systems, which are subject to particularly high requirements and are expected to account for the majority of the work involved in legal regulation and “product safety” in AI.
That’s still a while away, so I don’t need to worry about it yet – you might think.
Wrong! If my employees use (or are supposed to use) AI, I will be required to train them on the AI Act starting February 2, 2025. What does that mean? I have to make them aware of the risks associated with the use of AI and the requirements that the regulation therefore imposes on certain AI systems and their use. In addition, the ban on certain AI applications that have been identified as particularly problematic will also apply from February this year. At the very least, employees involved with AI should be made aware of this as soon as possible.
Incidentally, the content and objectives of such training courses ideally correspond to what we had identified already as mandatory or even sensible elements of an AI policy within the company. In addition to the scope, definitions, classifications, guidelines, and no-gos of the AI Act, as well as assistance in handling this (not exactly minimalist) piece of legislation, such training should also cover ethical aspects of the responsible use of AI, the significant data protection aspects, but also copyright and confidentiality protection.
This training requirement should not be seen as yet another burdensome bureaucratic requirement. Ultimately, properly trained and alert colleagues help to develop the company and its AI services in the right direction, protect know-how and trade secrets, and thus important assets of the company, saving time, nerves, and money. It is better to invest in people now than to write off bad investments later or even face bans, fines, or claims for damages!
For more information, visit https://datalawcounsel.com/der-ai-act-kommt-eine-einweisung/ and https://datalawcounsel.com/was-gehoert-in-eine-ki-policy/.
I am happy to help with any questions about training courses. I also offer such training courses—at least the legal part.
