A new EU-funded initiative, CERTAIN, is set to promote ethical compliance in artificial intelligence across Europe, as the region prepares for stricter regulations, including the upcoming EU AI Act.

CERTAIN, which stands for “Certification for Ethical and Regulatory Transparency in Artificial Intelligence,” will focus on developing tools and frameworks that enhance transparency, compliance, and sustainability in AI technologies.

Idemia Identity & Security France is leading the project in collaboration with 19 partners from ten European countries, including Austria’s St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences (UAS). With its official launch scheduled for January 2025, CERTAIN has the potential to serve as a model for global AI governance.

Promoting Ethical AI Practices in Europe

According to Sebastian Neumaier, Senior Researcher at the St. Pölten UAS’ Institute of IT Security Research and project manager for CERTAIN, the project aims to address critical regulatory and ethical challenges. “Our goal is to develop tools that make AI systems transparent and verifiable in accordance with the EU’s AI Act requirements,” Neumaier emphasized.

CERTAIN aims to create user-friendly tools and guidelines that simplify complex AI regulations, enabling organizations in both the public and private sectors to navigate and implement these rules effectively. The project seeks to bridge the gap between regulation and innovation, empowering businesses to leverage AI responsibly while fostering public trust.

Standardizing Practices and Enhancing Sustainability

One of CERTAIN’s primary objectives is to establish consistent standards for data sharing and AI development across Europe. By setting industry-wide norms for interoperability, the project aims to improve collaboration and efficiency in the use of AI-driven technologies.

The effort to harmonize data practices extends beyond compliance, as it also seeks to unlock new opportunities for innovation. CERTAIN’s solutions will create open and trustworthy European data spaces, which are essential for driving sustainable economic growth.

In line with the EU’s Green Deal, CERTAIN prioritizes sustainability. The project will address environmental challenges associated with AI, such as high energy consumption and resource-intensive data processing, by promoting energy-efficient AI systems and advocating for eco-friendly data management methods.

Fostering Collaboration to Drive AI Innovation

CERTAIN’s approach to fostering collaboration and dialogue among stakeholders is a unique aspect of the project. The St. Pölten UAS team is engaging with researchers, tech companies, policymakers, and end-users to co-develop, test, and refine ideas, tools, and standards.

This collaborative approach extends beyond product development, as CERTAIN also serves as a central authority for informing stakeholders about legal, ethical, and technical matters related to AI and certification. By maintaining open communication channels, CERTAIN ensures that its outcomes are practical and widely adopted.

CERTAIN is part of the EU’s Horizon Europe program, specifically under Cluster 4: Digital, Industry, and Space. The project’s multidisciplinary and international consortium includes leading academic institutions, industrial giants, and research organizations, making it a powerful collective effort to shape the future of AI in Europe.

In January 2025, representatives from all 20 consortium members met in Osny, France, to launch their collaborative mission. The two-day meeting set the tone for the project’s ambitious agenda, with partners devising strategies to tackle the regulatory, technical, and ethical hurdles of AI.

Ensuring Compliance with Ethical AI Regulations in Europe

As the EU’s AI Act approaches implementation, guidelines and tools like those developed under CERTAIN will be crucial. The Act will impose strict requirements on AI systems, particularly those deemed “high-risk,” such as applications in healthcare, transportation, and law enforcement.

While these regulations aim to ensure safety and accountability, they also pose challenges for organizations seeking to comply. CERTAIN seeks to alleviate these challenges by providing actionable solutions that align with Europe’s legal framework while encouraging innovation.

By doing so, the project will play a critical role in positioning Europe as a global leader in ethical AI development.

See also: Endor Labs: AI transparency vs ‘open-washing’

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