European Commission’s New AI Watchdogs Appoints Expert Panel

The European Commission has announced the appointment of 13 experts who will be responsible for drafting a Code of Practice for General Purpose Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), under the AI Act. The purpose of the code is to serve as a guideline for companies developing and deploying generative AI models like ChatGPT and Google Gemini.

Implementing a code of practice for general purpose AI

The EU’s AI Act has established strict rules for providers of GPAI models, designed to ensure that AI is developed and used ethically and responsibly. However, interpreting the act is complex, it sets out specific responsibilities for companies depending upon the type and purpose of the AI systems that they are deploying or developing. Therefore, it is hoped that the code will provide a practical guide for companies to understand and comply with its requirements.

Who are the experts?

The 13 experts selected for this task come from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academia, industry, and civil society. Notable names include Rishi Bommasani, a leading figure in AI research, Marietje Schaake, a former member of the European Parliament, and Yoshua Bengio, a pioneer in deep learning.

What will the code cover?

The code will address a wide range of issues related to AI, including:

  • Transparency: Ensuring that users understand how AI systems work and make decisions.
  • Copyright: Protecting intellectual property rights in the context of AI-generated content.
  • Systemic risk: Identifying and mitigating potential risks posed by AI.
  • Risk assessment: Developing frameworks for evaluating the safety and reliability of AI models.
  • Mitigation measures: Implementing strategies to address potential harms caused by AI.

A collaborative effort

The development of the code will involve a collaborative process involving various stakeholders, including AI model providers, downstream users, industry representatives, civil society organizations, and independent experts. The European kick-off Plenary for the General-Purpose AI Code of Practice took place online

Online Plenary for the General-Purpose AI Code of Practice well attended

The Commission has already held its first online plenary meeting with over 1,000 attendees to discuss the initial steps in the process to develop the code. Nearly 1,000 attendees including general-purpose AI model providers, downstream providers, industry, civil society, academia, and independent experts, took part in the online Plenary to help develop the Code of Practice.

Looking ahead

The final version of the Code of Practice is expected to be published and presented in a closing plenary, expected in April 2025. It will play a crucial role in shaping the future of AI in the EU and could potentially serve as a model for other jurisdictions around the world. As AI continues to advance, it is essential to have clear guidelines in place to ensure that its benefits are maximised while its risks are minimised.


This content was generated with the assistance of AI tools. However, it has undergone thorough human review, editing, and approval to ensure its accuracy, coherence, and quality. While AI technology played a role in its creation, the final version reflects the expertise and judgment of our human editors.

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