Bobbie Bickerton and Mark Lewis, of Stephenson Harwood's commercial, technology and data team, discuss the impact of AI, in particular AI compute and data centres, on the environment and sustainability. They consider what the AI Act says about the environment and sustainability, and how effective it is likely to be in addressing these issues. They briefly raise the wider ongoing pressures of AI development on the environment at geopolitical, strategic, operational, energy resources, ethical investment, and procurement levels, and ask if AI can ultimately be used a tool for good in this context.

Head of innovation, Paul Orchard, and Bobbie Bickerton an associate in the technology and data team, discuss exactly what AI is, what all those acronyms mean, and if AI will result in the end of the world.

In this episode, we explore the obligations for providers of general-purpose AI models under the EU AI Act. We examine the definition of general-purpose AI, the systemic risks associated with these models, and the key obligations for providers, such as technical documentation, compliance with copyright laws, and cooperation with the AI Office. We also discuss some practical tips on ensuring compliance in this regard and the potential penalties for non-compliance. For further insights, see our article: EU: Obligations on providers of GPAI models under the EU AI Act

In this episode of the Stephenson Harwood AI Series, we provide an overview of the enforcement regime under the EU AI Act, covering the roles and powers of the regulators, and the fines. We discuss the centralised and decentralised approach to enforcement taken by the EU Commission and issues around consistency. For further insights, see our article:​The EU AI Act: enforcement overview.

In this episode, we provide an overview of key legal issues when contracting for AI systems, including the procurement approach and contract structure, managing data and intellectual property, and ensuring robust security measures are in place. We also discuss performance standards, SLAs, compliance with AI regulations, and the importance of a well-defined exit strategy to avoid vendor lock-in.

In this episode, we delve into the role of authorised representatives under the EU AI Act. We discuss the concept and role of an authorised representative, the extraterritorial reach of their obligations, their integration into business practices, and their compliance responsibilities. For further insights, see our article: The Role of the Authorised Representative under the EU AI Act

In this episode, we explore the different roles and responsibilities of participants in the AI Value Chain under the EU AI Act. Our discussion covers: the key roles defined by the AI Act, including providers, deployers, importers, and distributors; the specific obligations and responsibilities imposed on importers and distributors of high-risk AI systems; as well as how the AI Act addresses changes in roles and the implications for contractual arrangements and compliance.

In this episode of the Stephenson Harwood AI Series, we explore the dark side of artificial intelligence—AI systems that are banned under the EU AI Act for posing an "unacceptable risk." These systems exploit human vulnerabilities, manipulate behaviour, or exhibit “creepy” characteristics, such as intrusive biometric surveillance or social scoring. We'll also examine the reasoning behind these bans, what this means for developers, and the potential legal and ethical implications for businesses operating in the EU.