Comment by European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA)

Artificial intelligence (AI) brings about many opportunities for our societies and economies. But it also puts fundamental rights at risk, especially in sensitive areas like recruitment or social benefits. Drawing on interviews with providers, deployers and experts, a new report from the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) reveals that many in the field of high-risk AI systems do not know how to systematically assess or mitigate these risks. Strengthening awareness and rights-compliant implementation of the AI act is key to protecting people’s rights while enabling innovation and creating legal certainty for businesses. [...] Clear guidance for fundamental rights impact assessments: Clear and consistent guidance is needed to ensure that risk assessments for high-risk AI systems effectively protect all fundamental rights – going beyond the rights to privacy, data protection and non-discrimination. Identifying and mitigating fundamental rights risks will promote responsible innovation and support fair competition by helping providers create better and more trustworthy AI. Invest in a better understanding of risks and mitigation measures: The European Commission and EU countries should invest in studies and testing of AI systems, particularly in high-risk areas, for a better understanding of fundamental rights risks and effective mitigation practices. This would make the AI Act easier to implement. Ensure proper oversight: Self-assessments matter, but they only work when backed by independent oversight from well-resourced bodies with expertise in fundamental rights. The EU and its Member States should ensure that oversight authorities have sufficient funding, staff and technical support to effectively oversee the use of AI systems.