AI Officer and AI training programs

What is “AI literacy”?

According to Article 4 of the AI Act, managing directors of affected companies are obliged to take measures to ensure AI literacy. This is intended to ensure that both staff and other persons involved in the use of AI systems on behalf of the company have a sufficient level of AI competence. The EU legislator is particularly focused on the technical knowledge, experience, education and training of employees as well as the context in which the AI systems are to be used (Art. 4 AI Act).

But what exactly does the legislator mean by “AI literacy”? Article 3 (56) of the AI Act defines AI competence as the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to use AI systems in an informed manner, to gain awareness about recognize the potential risks and opportunities associated with them and as well as to gain awareness about the opportunities and risks of AI and possible harm it can cause.

According to Recital 20 of the AI Act, AI literacy should help all actors along the AI value chain to make informed decisions and ensure compliance with the AI Act. This includes both technical knowledge and the ability to understand the potential impact of the use of AI.

What companies need to be aware of?

• Take Action on AI Literacy: Train employees to ensure they use AI tools with technical expertise and legal compliance. This includes raising awareness of AI's opportunities, risks, and potential harms it may cause.
• Conduct Risk Analyses for AI Systems: Perform context-specific risk assessments for AI tools.
• Implement Transparency, Labeling, and Documentation Requirements: Depending on the type of AI system, user information, reports, documentation or registration with authorities may be required.
• Ensure Legally Compliant Contracts: When using AI systems, particular attention must be paid to aspects of copyright, privacy and data protection law.