As Artificial Intelligence continues transforming industries, the European Union has taken a significant step with the adoption and implementation of the AI Act ensuring the ethical and responsible use of AI technologies.

Organizations involved in developing, commissioning or deploying AI must implement AI literacy training or awareness initiatives for their staff engaging with these technologies by 2 February 2025.

This requirement underscores the importance of ensuring that employees have the necessary skills, knowledge and understanding of the technologies to navigate AI-related challenges and opportunities.

The EU AI Act

The EU AI Act is part of the EU’s broader initiative to foster innovation and deployment of trustworthy AI. It aims to balance innovation with safeguards that ensure AI systems are ethical, transparent, and aligned with human-centric values reflected in the Human Rights. The AI Act focuses on creating a framework of accountability, fairness, and safety for organizations using AI technologies.

By 2 February 2025, the provisions of the AI Act on prohibited AI practices and on AI literacy will become applicable. Other provisions of the AI Act will become applicable gradually.

Staff members interacting with AI technologies play a crucial role in the development, deployment and use of trustworthy AI systems within an organization. To make informed decisions, they need to be aware of the opportunities, risks and potential harms that could be caused by an AI system. They also need to understand how to implement the instructions of use of the AI system and how to interpret AI output. This is why organizations must take steps to raise awareness and train their staff.  

AI Literacy matters

AI literacy goes beyond understanding how AI works. It involves recognizing the risks, benefits, and ethical considerations of usingAI in decision-making processes. Here’s why this training is critical:

1. Maximizing value: Proper training of employees can help to take the most of AI capabilities. Once trained, employees can integrate AI tools into workflows and daily tasks effectively.
2. Mitigating risks: To prevent unintended outcomes, employees must be equipped to identify and address biases, errors, and ethical dilemmas in AI systems.
3. Regulatory compliance: As the EU tightens its rules on AI, understanding regulatory requirements will be essential to comply and avoid penalties.
4. Building trust: Employees informed about AI ethical practices can help building trust with various stakeholders, such as partners, customers and the general public, by showing that their company is committed to responsible AI.

The AI Act applies to any organization operating in the EU that deploys AI systems, regardless of whether it develops the systems itself, has them developed by others or uses third-party AI solutions. This Act applies cross-sectors and includes industries, such as healthcare, finance, retail, manufacturing, and even public sector institutions.

AI Literacy training

To comply with the EU AI Act, training programs should cover the following key areas:

• Understanding AI Fundamentals: Basic concepts, capabilities, and limitations of AI technologies.
• Ethical AI Use: Principles for fairness, transparency, and accountability.
• Risk Awareness: Identifying potential biases, misuse, and risks     in AI systems.
• Regulatory Context: Overview of the EU’s AI regulations and     compliance requirements.
• Practical Applications: How AI can be responsibly applied in specific     industry contexts.

To meet the fast-approaching deadline of 2 February 2025, organizations should take immediate steps:

1. Deploy training programs: Design or outsource AI literacy training tailored to their staff needs.
2. Assess AI deployment: Identify areas where AI is used in the organization.
3. Engage experts: Collaborate with AI ethics experts, legal advisors, and trainers to ensure comprehensive education.
4. Monitor progress: Track participation and effectiveness of training initiatives to ensure compliance.

B12 customized training programs

In response to the EU AI Act’s requirement for AI literacy training, B12 Consulting, a team of AI experts with over 10 years of experience in artificial intelligence and a part of Yuma, offers a comprehensive suite of training programs to support your organization on its journey to compliance

These programs are designed to upskill teams at all organizational levels, from executives to managers and business strategists. They focus on identifying AI opportunities, understanding the implications ofAI adoption in light of the EU AI Act, and aligning AI initiatives with business objectives to ensure compliance and maximize strategic impact.

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Key Features of B12's AI training

B12’s AI training is specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of businesses, providing practical skills that are directly applicable to various roles. It is delivered by industry experts and is structured around giving value-driven insights and useful techniques to help evolve the AI landscape effectively.

Want to know more? Contact info@b12-consulting.com

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Info Session

Mark your calendar on Monday 13th January at 1PM for a 30-minutes info session dedicated to the EU AI Act and its implications for organizations leveraging AI technologies. This session will provide valuable insights into the Act’s requirements, including the critical AI literacy training mandates for staff, and practical strategies for compliance.

Register here

Participants will be able to gain insights on this topic, explore the tailored training solutions, and ask questions to clarify their unique challenges. Whether you're a business leader, strategist, or AI enthusiast, this session will help you navigate the path to responsible AI adoption while ensuring regulatory compliance.

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