On November 13, 2023, Denmark unveiled a pivotal framework aimed at guiding the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI), aligning with both the European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act (AIA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This initiative marks a significant milestone in the regulation and use of AI technologies, with the AIA being a comprehensive, risk-based regulatory framework adopted by the European Parliament earlier in March. It officially came into effect in August after receiving endorsement from EU member states, legislators, and the European Commission.
The framework is encapsulated in a 35-page whitepaper tailored for executives, project teams, and stakeholders pivotal in AI deployment across both public and private sectors. Key topics addressed include the definition of AI assistants' use cases, societal deployment of AI, collaboration between public and private sectors, the legal framework for AI use, scaling implementation efforts, staff training, and the establishment of ongoing support and oversight mechanisms within the boundaries set by the AIA and GDPR.
The impetus for this collaborative framework stemmed from both the public and private sectors, with IT consultancy firm Netcompany at the forefront, leading a consortium of major Danish corporations. This collective effort produced a document that serves as both a legal and technical guide designed to help businesses navigate the complexities of AI in the current regulatory landscape while ensuring the delivery of secure and reliable services to consumers.
André Rogaczewski, chairman of DI Digital and CEO of Netcompany, highlighted the significant collaboration behind this framework, stating, “In Denmark, we’ve already shown how the public and private sectors can work together to responsibly implement large-scale digital solutions grounded in democratic values and complex legal frameworks. With this new collaboration, we’re once again leading the way—this time in the responsible use of artificial intelligence.”
Support for the framework also comes from DI Digital, the Danish ICT and Electronics Federation, which advocates for the interests of IT, electronics, and telecommunications companies. A number of notable industry players have joined this initiative, including Microsoft, Dubex, Trifork, Kammeradvokaten, as well as various financial institutions such as ATP, Jyske Bank, PFA, Spar Nord, and Topdanmark.
Netcompany has made the whitepaper, titled “Responsible Use of AI Assistants in the Public and Private Sectors,” accessible to other interested entities, inviting further contributions to the guidelines. The launch of this framework underscores Denmark's commitment to fostering safe and ethical AI practices while addressing the complexities inherent in utilising advanced technologies.
Source: Noah Wire Services