Brexit & Bolognese: Could EU's new AI Act Be a Recipe for UK Businesses? 🇬🇧

February 7, 2025 by Jamie

As a business owner, you’ve probably had your fair share of post-Brexit regulatory updates. So when you spot yet another headline about EU rules—this time on AI—you might be tempted to tune out. But don’t. Here’s why.

What is the EU AI Act?

The EU AI Act is a proposed regulation by the European Union aimed at ensuring the safe and ethical use of artificial intelligence technologies. It sets out requirements for AI systems, categorizing them based on their risk levels, and imposes obligations on providers and users of these systems to ensure compliance. The act seeks to promote innovation while protecting fundamental rights and public interests.

How does AI Safety Rating work?

Think of AI systems like restaurants in a food safety rating system - but instead of food hygiene, we’re talking about risk levels.

Unacceptable Risk (The Banned List) 🚫

Think of these as the “absolutely not in your kitchen” ingredients. These are AI systems that are completely banned, like:

Social scoring systems - Imagine giving your neighbours points for how quietly they put their bins out at 5 am on Thursday morning.
Emotion recognition in workplaces - AI reading your face when you see Monday’s meeting schedule
Subliminal manipulation - like an AI trying to convince you that pineapple absolutely belongs on pizza (It does with ham!)
Real-world example: An AI system that automatically judges job candidates based on their facial expressions in video interviews would be a no!

High Risk (Handle with Care) ⚠️

Like handling raw chicken in a kitchen, these AI systems need extra attention and careful management:

HR and recruitment tools - Because choosing employees is as important as selecting the ingredients for a Michelin-star dish
Medical devices: Ensure no nuts are in a dish for someone with allergies.
Educational scoring systems: like grading a cooking show
Biometric identification systems: VIP list checker at an exclusive restaurant
Real-world example: An AI system helping to approve loans - one wrong ingredient in this decision-making recipe could affect someone’s life.

Limited Risk (Mind the Labels) ℹ️

Like products that need clear labelling but are generally safe to use:

Chatbots - Your friendly restaurant waiter who’s a robot
AI-generated content - A menu written by AI - you need to know it wasn’t hand-written by the chef
Real-world example: When you chat with customer service and they tell you, “I’m an AI assistant,” that’s transparency in action.

The everyday AI tools that are as safe as a slice of bread:

Spam filters - keeping your email inbox as clean as a well-maintained kitchen
AI-powered video games - like having a robot sous chef in a video game
Real-world example: Using AI to sort your photos into albums automatically.

What This Means For Your Business

The Kitchen Rules 📋

Keep an inventory of your AI “ingredients” - what AI tools are you using?
Check the “best before” date - are your AI systems up to date with current regulations?
Display your “hygiene rating” proudly (be transparent about your AI use)
Keep your “kitchen” clean (regular reviews and updates of your AI systems)

The Secret Sauce for Success 🌟

Start with essential compliance - like washing your hands before cooking.
Document everything - Keeping detailed recipes.
Stay informed about updates - Following the latest food trends.
Partner with experts - A trusted health inspector.

Think of complying with AI regulations like running a successful restaurant:

Keep your customers informed
Maintain high standards
Be proud of your transparency
Serve up innovation with a side of responsibility!

Why Should UK Businesses Care?

As a UK business owner, you might wonder, “We’re not in the EU anymore, so why does this matter?” The truth is, the EU AI Act could still have significant implications for your business.

If you sell products or services to EU customers, any AI tools you use in that process will need to comply with the EU AI Act.
Even if you don’t directly sell to EU customers, if you’re part of a supply chain that does, you’ll need to ensure your AI systems align with these regulations.

Opportunity for UK Businesses

This new wave of AI regulation—combined with the UK government’s vision to foster innovation and mitigate the impacts of Brexit—represents a unique opportunity for UK businesses to stand out as responsible AI leaders. By aligning with evolving EU standards while tapping into the UK’s push for cutting-edge research and development, businesses here can show they’re prepared to meet legal requirements and are ready to capitalise on new AI-driven markets and partnerships. It’s a chance to position the UK as a global hub for ethical, forward-thinking technology and to ensure that local companies are at the heart of this ambitious, growth-focused future.

Artificial Intelligence will drive incredible change in our country. From teachers personalising lessons, to supporting small businesses with their record-keeping, to speeding up planning applications, it has the potential to transform the lives of working people - Keir Starmer

For more information on the UK’s AI strategy, you can read the Prime Minister’s blueprint to turbocharge AI.

Final Thoughts

The EU AI Act may be an EU regulation, but its ripple effect could easily cross the Channel. UK businesses operating within or planning to expand into the EU should pay attention. Even purely UK-focused companies should keep an eye on developments. There’s every chance the UK could follow suit with its version.

For more detailed information on the EU AI Act, visit the official EU AI Act website.

Need help making sure your AI systems are following the recipe for success? Let’s chat about making your AI implementation compliant and delicious for your business!