Source: Travers Smith

Travers Smith offers a detailed analysis of the AI literacy requirement embedded within the European Union's AI Act, a crucial but often overlooked provision of the landmark regulation. The article explains that for certain AI systems, particularly those classified as "high-risk," the Act imposes an obligation on deployers (organizations using the AI) to ensure that their staff and any other persons dealing with the system have a sufficient level of AI literacy. This requirement is designed to ensure that individuals interacting with or overseeing these systems possess the necessary competence to operate them safely, understand their capabilities and limitations, and monitor their functioning effectively.

The analysis highlights key considerations for businesses seeking to comply with this provision. It is not a one-size-fits-all requirement; the necessary level of literacy will depend on the specific AI system, its intended purpose, and the associated risks. Companies will need to develop tailored training programs covering the technical aspects of the AI system, its operational constraints, and the procedures for human oversight and intervention. The article advises that organizations should start preparing now by assessing which of their AI systems might fall under these obligations, identifying the personnel who require training, and documenting their literacy-building efforts as part of their overall AI Act compliance strategy.