In a pioneering move to address the intricate challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI) regulations globally, law firm Shoosmiths International and AI governance software provider Enzai have introduced a novel compliance solution named AI Comply. Unveiled on 14 October 2024, AI Comply is designed to empower businesses to efficiently manage and adapt to the evolving landscape of AI regulations.

AI Comply is heralded as a comprehensive toolkit, offering a unique amalgamation of expert legal guidance and cutting-edge AI governance technology. It leverages Enzai's robust AI governance platform alongside bespoke advice from Shoosmiths’ specialists in AI law. This integration presents a singular platform that simplifies the complexity of ensuring AI regulatory compliance, providng legal, governance, and operational support under one roof.

The initiative comes at a pivotal time as the deployment of AI technologies accelerates across industries. Approximately 68% of large enterprises and 33% of medium-sized firms have already integrated AI into their operations, according to statistical insights. This rapid adoption, however, coincides with escalating regulatory scrutiny and the imposition of more stringent compliance standards, such as those outlined in the European Union's AI Act and the anticipated UK legislation.

Significantly, breaches of AI compliance can lead to severe penalties — the EU AI Act threatens fines up to €35 million or 7% of an organisation's annual global turnover. Aside from financial repercussions, non-compliance exposes organisations to risks including reputational damage and potential litigation.

AI Comply seeks to address these pressing concerns by facilitating businesses in complying with both current and future AI standards. By blending Shoosmiths' legal acumen with Enzai's technological prowess, the platform supports companies in comprehensively assessing their AI models against key regulations using a sophisticated compliance framework engine.

One distinguishing feature of AI Comply is its adaptability. The platform is modular, enabling organisations to engage with the solution irrespective of their stage in AI governance, whether by selecting specific components or employing the entire suite for comprehensive oversight.

Moreover, AI Comply includes perpetual legal support, thereby allowing clients to sustain their compliance documentation, obtain regular advisory updates, and promptly resolve any non-compliance issues directly through Shoosmiths’ seasoned lawyers. This initiative was rolled out via Shoosmiths EIGHT, the entity’s connected services division, underscoring Shoosmiths’ strategic commitment to integrating legal expertise with technological innovation.

Ryan Donnelly, CEO of Enzai, underscored the seamless integration of legal and technology services. He stated, “AI Comply seamlessly integrates legal expertise, AI governance, and operational support into one platform." Echoing this sentiment, Tom Speller, director at Shoosmiths EIGHT, remarked, “AI Comply is the result of a unique partnership between two industry leaders, and it reflects our commitment to innovation in legal services.”

From Shoosmiths, Alex Kirkhope, who heads the AI Advisory team, highlighted the timeliness of AI Comply, stating that it aligns with the AI regulatory concerns reported by clients regarding the use and deployment of AI systems within their enterprises. The solution aims to streamline and simplify the compliance process at a time when corporate focus on such matters is intensifying.

Ahead of its formal publication in 2025, preliminary findings from Shoosmiths’ Litigation Risk Report indicate that over 80% of General Counsels anticipate AI-related disputes will represent a considerable risk to their organisations in the coming year. The survey included insights from senior legal professionals within multiple industries, all based in the UK but serving predominantly international companies with substantial turnovers.

The launch of AI Comply represents a significant step forward in enabling businesses to leverage AI's full potential while safely navigating an increasingly intricate regulatory environment.

Source: Noah Wire Services