The service point will lead to a planned AI authority that will later handle certification and oversight of AI systems. State Secretary Florian Tversky announced this at a press conference on Thursday. Austria is in good company, as only Spain and the Netherlands have already created similar positions. Tversky considers this an important milestone in dealing with AI.
To strengthen trust in AI systems, Austria is introducing a labeling requirement for public sector AI systems ahead of European AI Act regulation. This year, all federal AI systems, including chat bots, will be mandated to be labeled. Further steps will be taken as soon as the European regulation is finalized.
For Tversky, boosting AI skills is also important. As part of the Digital Enablement Offensive (DKO), workshops will be conducted in all communities across the country from October this year to provide basic knowledge about artificial intelligence and strengthen confidence in modern technologies.
Another important step is the launch of the AI Monitor which will examine the impact of AI on society, businesses and consumers. Its aim is to help develop measures that maximize the benefits of AI and minimize the risks. AI Monitor data is publicly available for companies and citizens to view.
The federal government’s AI strategy is also being revised from 2021, and a new version is to be presented in the first half of 2024.
