The European Commission has announced the creation of the European Artificial Intelligence Office (AI Office), a key part of the forthcoming AI Act. The office will contribute to the implementation and enforcement of the act, and will sit within the Commission's DG CNECT department. The AI Office will be financed by the Digital Europe Programme. The EU is expected to promote early voluntary compliance with the AI Act through the Commission and the AI Office. The act is likely to come into force in the coming months.

The Council of Europe has published a Draft Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law (DFC), which sets out principles and norms for AI aligned with human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. The Convention's primary objective is to ensure AI systems uphold these values throughout their entire lifecycle. The DFC aligns with the OECD by adopting the same definition for “AI system,” which is significant for clarity and consistency in international AI discourse and regulation. The Framework Convention does not classify specific use of AI systems as prohibited or high-risk systems but rather handles this issue at the level of the scope by covering all AI systems “that have potential to interfere with human rights, democracy, and the rule of law” and requiring appropriate risk assessment and mitigation measures to be implemented for all of them. The DFC does not specify what oversight mechanisms should be used but requires each party to establish or designate at least one effective mechanism to oversee compliance with the DFC. The enforcement of the DFC is multifaceted and involves a combination of national implementation, international cooperation, and a follow-up mechanism for oversight and consultation.

European co-legislators have agreed a provisional agreement on the EU AI Act which seeks to harmonise AI regulations across the EU. The agreement balances innovation with fundamental rights and safety and positions the EU as a leader in digital regulation. The EU AI Act includes prohibitions on biometric identification, updated requirements for high-risk AI systems, and a two-tiered approach for general purpose AI systems. It is expected to gradually enter into force with provisions on prohibitions coming into effect within six months and provisions on transparency and governance coming into effect after twelve months. The EU AI Act will likely set a global benchmark for the ethical and responsible design, development, and deployment of AI systems.

The EU's proposed regulation on harmonising rules for AI systems, known as the EU AI Act, is going through trilogue meetings between the Parliament, Commission and Council. With European elections approaching in June 2024 and increasing regulatory steps being taken by major AI powers like the US and China, pressure is mounting to adopt the EU AI Act into law by the end of 2023. However, controversies are emerging, particularly around regulation of foundation models. If critical issues remain unresolved, the most contested elements of the legislation may be left out of the final iteration and delegated to the proposed AI Office or future harmonised standardisation initiatives.

Lord Chris Holmes introduced The Artificial Intelligence (Regulation) Bill in the UK House of Lords, which mandates the establishment of a dedicated AI Authority responsible for enforcing the regulation. The Bill defines AI and sets up regulatory principles and sandboxes to support innovation. It also proposes the appointment of AI responsible officers and enforces transparency, IP obligations, and labelling. It remains uncertain whether the Bill will be adopted, but AI regulations are gaining momentum worldwide. It is crucial to prioritize the development of AI systems that promote ethical principles such as fairness and harm mitigation. Holistic AI offers expertise in AI governance, risk, and compliance.