Official regulations on AI
Objective: The worksheet aims to teach learners about the official regulations governing artificial intelligence (AI). The focus is on the risk classification of AI applications, the fundamental rights of citizens and the balance between innovation and protection.
Contents and methods: The first phase of the worksheet serves as a warm-up and uses the method of joint idea gathering. The information text introduces the topic and explains key concepts such as risk assessment, transparency and data security. The methods include text comprehension by selecting the correct statement, classifying specific AI examples with justification, and reflective and creative forms of work such as open questions and designing a poster on the importance of AI regulation.
Competencies:
- Risk assessment: Ability to classify AI applications according to their potential risk to fundamental rights and security.
- Critical thinking: Weighing up the need for regulation in the context of innovation and risk protection.
- Communication: Formulating a reasoned opinion on AI regulation.
Target group and level: Years 8–10 (middle school)
ESD:
- 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure: The Act aims to promote the responsible development of AI and maintain a balance between innovation and risk protection.
- 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions: The main purpose of the regulation is to protect the fundamental rights of citizens and create a uniform legal framework for AI technologies.
50 other teachers use this template
Target group and level
Middle School
Subjects
Official regulations on AI
Collective reflection: Why do we need to regulate AI at all?
1. Individual work:
Write down your spontaneous ideas on the following question:
"What could happen if artificial intelligence is used without rules?"
2. Partner work:
Share your thoughts with each other. Each pair should note down at least one risk and one possible advantage of unregulated AI use.
3. Joint collection:
All results are compiled together.
"What could happen if artificial intelligence is used without rules?"
Assignment
1. Observation task (during the video)
While watching the trailer, pay attention to the following questions:
- What role does artificial intelligence play in the film?
- What problems does this cause?
Write down key points, not complete sentences.
2. Class discussion
Discuss your observations in pairs (2–3 minutes).
Compare:
- Which danger did you find most striking?
- Which of these would be possible in the real world and which are pure exaggeration?
3. Group discussion (plenary)
Finally, all the results are compiled and the questions are answered.
"How realistic is this? Where are the real dangers today?"
Assignment
Read the information text carefully and select the correct statement.
Using the information provided, assign the AI examples to the appropriate risk level and justify your decision.
EU AI Act: A Comprehensive Regulation on Artificial Intelligence
The EU AI Act, officially known as Regulation (EU) 2024/1689, establishes harmonized rules on artificial intelligence (AI) and is the first comprehensive legal framework for AI worldwide. The regulation is designed to foster trustworthy AI within Europe and protect fundamental rights by assessing AI systems according to their risk levels and imposing compliance requirements accordingly.
The main goal of the EU AI Act is to address the ethical challenges and risks associated with AI technologies. It aims to ensure that AI systems are safe, respect fundamental rights, foster AI investment, improve governance, and encourage a harmonized single EU market for AI. This regulation seeks to mitigate risks such as discrimination, privacy violations, and safety concerns.
The scope of the EU AI Act is extensive, covering providers and deployers of AI systems within the EU, as well as those outside the EU if their AI outputs are utilized within the Union. It applies to sectors including healthcare, transport, education, employment, law enforcement, and migration, among others.
Key requirements of the EU AI Act include prohibiting certain AI practices deemed as unacceptable risks, such as social scoring and manipulative AI, and establishing stringent obligations for high-risk AI systems. These obligations encompass risk assessments, transparency measures, human oversight, and adherence to safety and ethical standards. General-purpose AI models must comply with transparency and copyright-related rules, and providers must mitigate systemic risks.
The significance of the EU AI Act lies in its potential to set global standards for AI regulation, akin to the GDPR's influence on data protection laws worldwide. The regulation is expected to boost AI innovation while ensuring safety and ethical use. Challenges include compliance burdens for businesses, especially SMEs, and the need for continuous monitoring and adaptation to evolving AI technologies.
Reflect
Answer the questions in writing and in detail.
Assignment
Work in groups to create a poster that addresses the central question:
"Why do we need rules for artificial intelligence?"
Your tasks:
- Discuss: Talk in your group about why rules for dealing with AI might be important.
- Take a position: Formulate a clear statement in which you justify your opinion.
- Design: Develop a clear and appealing poster that shows your most important arguments contains examplesand clearly states your common position.
Note: Make sure that your statements are understandable, well-structured, and clearly justified.
Why do we need rules for AI?
Solution for the teacher
| Example | Risk Level | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| A chatbot on a website | Low/Minimal Risk | A chatbot answers simple questions and poses very little risk. |
| An AI system that sorts job applications | High-Risk AI | Decisions about job applications strongly affect people and must be fair. |
| An AI system that detects emotions in faces | High-Risk AI | Emotional analysis can be inaccurate and may judge people unfairly. |
| An AI system that controls surgical equipment | High-Risk AI | Errors could have direct consequences for patients' health. |