The European Union publishes Second Draft of General Purpose AI Code of Practice

The European AI Office released the second draft of the General Purpose AI Code of Practice, establishing compliance, risk mitigation, and transparency. Stakeholders are invited to provide feedback, shaping AI regulation under the EU AI Act.

The European Union publishes Second Draft of General Purpose AI Code of Practice

Second Draft AI Code of Practice Advances AI Accountability in the EU

The European AI Office has taken a significant step forward in regulating artificial intelligence with the release of the second draft of the General-Purpose AI Code of Practice.

Published on 19 December 2024, this document forms part of the obligations outlined in Article 56 of the European Union AI Act, aiming to ensure providers of general-purpose AI models meet rigorous compliance standards.

Second Draft of the General-Purpose AI Code of Practice published, written by independent experts
Independent experts present the second draft of the General-Purpose AI Code of Practice, based on the feedback received on the first draft, published on 14 November 2024.

What’s New in the Second Draft?

The second draft states commitments, actionable measures, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to enforce compliance.

These KPIs serve as a yardstick to evaluate how effectively AI providers are mitigating risks and aligning with regulatory expectations.

The European AI Office seeks to streamline the compliance process, making it easier for organisations to adapt while safeguarding public interests.

Providers are required to maintain comprehensive documentation, covering technical specifications, training data, usage guidelines, and compliance measures. This initiative is designed not only to ensure transparency but also to promote trust across the AI value chain.

Enhancing Risk Mitigation and Compliance

One of the standout features of the draft is its focus on systemic risk assessment at a Union-wide level. The Code outlines practical steps for AI providers to identify, evaluate, and address risks that could affect public safety, fundamental rights, or economic stability. This includes offering clear frameworks for transparency and cooperation with the AI Office to simplify assessment processes.

Another critical area of focus is copyright compliance, an often-overlooked yet vital element in the AI lifecycle. The Code confirms that general-purpose AI models respect intellectual property laws, addressing a key concern among creators and stakeholders.

Building Trust Across the AI Value Chain

The draft Code encourages collaboration and understanding across the AI value chain. By fostering communication between AI developers, end-users, and regulators, the European AI Office hopes to create a unified approach to fulfilling the obligations of the AI Act.

This collaborative focus aims to ease the integration of compliance measures while fostering innovation within ethical and legal boundaries.

Call for Feedback and the Path Ahead

Stakeholders are invited to provide written feedback on the draft until 15 January 2025. Additionally, a series of discussions will be held to address community concerns and refine the Code further.

The next milestone is the publication of the third draft, scheduled for 17 February 2025.

The second draft of the General-Purpose AI Code of Practice signals a proactive approach by the EU in shaping the future of AI regulation.

As the consultation progresses, the focus remains on balancing innovation with public safety and trust, ensuring that general-purpose AI models contribute positively to society.

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