Working with the EU AI Act - Interview with Kai Zenner
by Dr. Phil Winder , CEO
In this webinar I’m pleased to present a recorded interview with Kai Zenner, Head of Office and Digital Policy Adviser for MEP Axel Voss. Kai is a key figure in the EU AI Act, responsible for authoring parts of the regulation, whilst advising and debating the rest.
In this interview we discuss the impact of the EU AI Act on the AI industry, the implications for AI ethics, and the future of AI in Europe. We talk about the potential challenges for AI companies, especially those that lie outside of the EU. We find that although there are holes in the regulation, it is a step in the right direction for the AI industry. Kai makes his suggestions as to how companies can prepare for and help to improve the regulation.
The automated notes below are a summary of the discussion.
Introduction
Phil Winder, CEO of Winder AI, sat down with Kai Zenner, Head of Office and Digital Policy Adviser for MEP Axel Voss, to explore the intricacies of the new EU AI Act and its impact on the AI landscape in Europe. Here are the key highlights from their conversation.
Kai began by introducing his position within the European Parliament. As the Head of Office and Digital Policy Adviser for MEP Axel Voss, Kai plays a crucial role in shaping digital and AI policy at the European level. His work focuses on ensuring that regulations like the EU AI Act are aligned with both innovation and ethical considerations.
The EU AI Act: Context and Goals
A central topic of discussion was the EU AI Act, which seeks to establish clear regulations for the development and deployment of AI systems across Europe. Kai explained that the EU AI Act is designed to ensure the safe and responsible use of AI while fostering innovation. The act introduces a risk-based framework that categorizes AI applications into different levels of risk, ranging from minimal to high risk, with more stringent rules applied to higher-risk systems.
Key Provisions of the AI Act
Kai elaborated on some of the AI Act’s key provisions, particularly around transparency and accountability. AI systems that interact with humans, pose risks to fundamental rights, or are used in critical infrastructures will require more oversight. These systems will need to meet stringent transparency requirements, ensuring that users are aware when they are interacting with AI and that companies take accountability for any harm caused by their AI systems.
Balancing Innovation and Regulation
A significant theme throughout the conversation was the balancing act between fostering innovation and ensuring regulation. Kai highlighted the importance of maintaining Europe’s competitive edge in AI development while also safeguarding societal interests. He emphasized that the goal of the EU AI Act is not to stifle innovation but to create a safe and trustworthy environment for AI systems to thrive.
The Role of AI Startups and SMEs
Kai and Phil also discussed how the AI Act would affect startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Kai noted that while larger corporations have the resources to comply with extensive regulations, smaller companies may find it more challenging. To address this, the EU AI Act includes provisions aimed at supporting SMEs, ensuring they are not disproportionately burdened by compliance requirements.
The Future of AI Regulation
Looking ahead, Kai emphasized the need for continuous adaptation in AI regulation. As AI technology evolves, so too must the regulatory framework. He stressed that the European Parliament is committed to working with stakeholders across the AI ecosystem to ensure that regulations remain relevant and effective.
Conclusion
Phil Winder concluded the interview by thanking Kai for his insights into the EU AI Act. This conversation highlighted the complexities of AI regulation and the importance of finding a balance between innovation and ethical governance. As Europe moves forward with the implementation of the AI Act, stakeholders across the industry will need to remain engaged to ensure that AI continues to benefit society while minimizing potential risks.