The European Union has initiated a consultation process regarding regulations for general purpose AI model (GPAI) providers under its AI Act. This framework aims to regulate AI applications based on risk assessment, targeting companies like Anthropic, Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI. The goal is to establish a Code of Practice that guides developers in meeting legal requirements and ensuring GPAI trustworthiness.
While the EU AI Act becomes effective on August 1, 2024, its implementation is gradual. The Codes of Practice are slated for April 2025, allowing time for thorough development.
The Commission seeks input from a diverse group of stakeholders, including GPAI providers operating in the EU, businesses, civil society groups, rights holders, and academics. According to the Commission, this consultation offers all parties a chance to contribute to the first Code of Practice, which will outline rules for GPAI providers. It will also inform the AI Office’s work on creating templates for summarizing AI model training content.
The consultation questionnaire is structured into three main sections:
- Transparency and copyright provisions for GPAIs
- Risk assessment and mitigation for high-impact GPAIs
- Review and monitoring processes for GPAI Codes of Practice
The Commission plans to draft an initial Code based on the responses received. This process presents an opportunity for stakeholders to shape the regulatory landscape, particularly regarding AI model development transparency and risk management for influential AI systems. The resulting template’s level of detail for summarizing model training content will be a key point of interest.
The EU has announced further details about its consultation on GPAI regulations:
- Submission deadline: September 10, 2024, at 6 p.m. CET.
- Call for participation: The EU is seeking expressions of interest for involvement in drafting the Code through virtual meetings across four working groups. This process will use an iterative drafting approach.
- Eligibility: GPAI providers, downstream providers, industry organizations, civil society groups, rightsholders organizations, academics, and independent experts are invited to participate.
- Participation deadline: August 25, 2024, at 6 p.m. CET.
- Additional workshops: GPAI providers can attend workshops with plenary meeting chairs and vice-chairs to inform each drafting round.
- Transparency measures: The AI Office will publish meeting minutes for all plenary participants.
- Leadership roles: The AI Office will appoint chairs and vice-chairs, accepting applications from independent experts.
This approach addresses earlier concerns about potential exclusion of civil society organizations and over-reliance on consultancy firms. The Commission emphasizes its commitment to inclusive participation, inviting input from a diverse range of stakeholders including academia, industry representatives, civil society organizations, rightsholders, and public authorities.
The process aims to ensure a balanced and comprehensive approach to developing GPAI regulations in the EU.