TL;DR
- Italy and Hungary failed to appoint fundamental rights bodies under the EU’s AI Act.
- The deadline to appoint these authorities was November 2024.
- The EU AI Act aims to ensure that artificial intelligence is developed and used in a way that respects human rights.
Introduction
Italy and Hungary have missed a crucial deadline to appoint bodies responsible for protecting fundamental rights in the development and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI), as required by the European Union’s (EU) AI Act. The deadline, which was November 2024, is a key component of the EU’s efforts to regulate AI and ensure that its development and use align with human rights and democratic values.
The EU AI Act
The EU AI Act is a comprehensive regulatory framework that aims to promote the development and use of AI in a way that is transparent, accountable, and respectful of human rights. The Act requires EU member states to appoint authorities that will oversee the development and deployment of AI systems, ensuring that they comply with the Act’s requirements and do not pose a risk to human rights.
According to a spokesperson for the European Commission, the EU executive is “in contact with both member states and supporting them as they are preparing to meet this obligation.” The Commission has not indicated which countries have officially notified their market surveillance authorities, which are responsible for enforcing the AI Act.
Concerns over effectiveness
The failure of Italy and Hungary to appoint these bodies has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the EU’s AI regulatory framework. The AI Act is a crucial step towards ensuring that AI is developed and used in a way that respects human rights and promotes democratic values. The Act’s requirements for transparency, accountability, and human oversight are essential for building trust in AI systems and ensuring that they are used for the benefit of society as a whole.
Regulation embedded in wider initiatives
In addition to the AI Act, the EU has also launched other initiatives aimed at promoting the development and use of AI in a responsible and ethical manner. For example, the EU has established a High-Level Expert Group on Artificial Intelligence, which provides advice on the development and implementation of AI policies. The EU has also launched a number of funding programs aimed at supporting the development of AI technologies and promoting their use in various sectors, such as healthcare and transportation.
The importance of regulating AI cannot be overstated. As AI systems become increasingly ubiquitous and powerful, there is a growing need to ensure that they are developed and used in a way that is transparent, accountable, and respectful of human rights. The EU’s AI Act is a significant step towards achieving this goal, and its implementation will be closely watched by policymakers and industry leaders around the world.
Conclusion
The failure of Italy and Hungary to appoint fundamental rights bodies under the EU’s AI Act is a significant setback for the EU’s efforts to regulate AI. However, it is essential to recognize that the EU’s AI regulatory framework is a complex and evolving landscape. The AI Act is just one part of a broader set of initiatives aimed at promoting the development and use of AI in a responsible and ethical manner. As the EU continues to develop and implement its AI policies, it is crucial to ensure that they are effective in promoting transparency, accountability, and human oversight in the development and deployment of AI systems.
References
[^1]: Cynthia Kroet (2025-05-06). “Italy and Hungary fail to appoint fundamental rights bodies under AI Act“. Euronews. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
[^2]: ECNL (2025-04-28). “Hungary’s new biometric surveillance laws violate the AI Act“. ECNL. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
[^3]: Access Now (2024-03-13). “The EU AI Act: a failure for human rights, a victory for industry and law enforcement“. Access Now. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
[^4]: Kluwer Competition Law Blog (2023-11-13). “A Deeper Look into the EU AI Act Trilogues: Fundamental Rights, Impact Assessments, Generative AI, and a European AI Office“. Kluwer Competition Law Blog. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
