What is AI Literacy?

AI literacy means understanding:

• How AI processes data and makes decisions

• The ethical and societal implications of AI applications

• The risks of bias, misinformation, and misuse

The regulatory frameworks governing AI, such as the EU AI Act

By improving AI literacy, individuals and businesses can make informed decisions about AI adoption and advocate for responsible AI practices.

The EU AI Act and Prohibited AI Practices

The EU AI Act, the world’s first comprehensive AI law, categorizes AI systems into four risk levels: Unacceptable Risk, High Risk, Limited Risk, and Minimal Risk. The most dangerous AI practices fall under the Unacceptable Risk category and are outright prohibited.

The EU AI Act and Prohibited AI Practices

The EU AI Act, the world’s first comprehensive AI law, categorizes AI systems into four risk levels: Unacceptable Risk, High Risk, Limited Risk, and Minimal Risk. The most dangerous AI practices fall under the Unacceptable Risk category and are outright prohibited.

Prohibited AI Practices Under the EU AI Act

The EU AI Act bans AI systems that pose a clear threat to fundamental rights, safety, and democracy. These include:

1. AI-Based Social Scoring
Inspired by real-world social credit systems, AI that ranks individuals based on behavior, economic status, or social interactions is strictly banned. The EU prohibits such systems due to the risk of discrimination and loss of individual freedoms.

2. Real-Time Biometric Surveillance in Public Spaces
AI-driven facial recognition and biometric identification systems that conduct mass surveillance in public spaces are prohibited, with few exceptions (such as law enforcement cases with judicial approval). The goal is to prevent widespread privacy violations.

3. Manipulative AI Techniques
AI designed to exploit human vulnerabilities—such as psychological manipulation or deceptive user interactions—is banned. Examples include AI-driven deepfake scams, misleading advertising techniques, and addictive algorithmic designs that target children.

4. Predictive Policing and Risk Assessment AI
AI used to assess individuals’ likelihood of committing crimes before they act is outlawed due to discrimination risks and the potential to perpetuate biases in law enforcement.

5. AI for Emotion Recognition in Workplaces and Schools
The use of AI to analyze human emotions in sensitive environments like schools or workplaces is prohibited. This includes AI tools that attempt to judge students' attention levels or assess employees' mood or stress levels, which could lead to workplace discrimination.

6. AI That Exploits Vulnerable Groups
AI that specifically targets children, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities in ways that exploit their vulnerability is not allowed under the EU AI Act.

The Importance of AI Literacy and Compliance

Understanding these prohibitions helps businesses, developers, and consumers align their AI usage with ethical standards and avoid legal risks. Companies deploying AI in the EU must audit their AI systems, ensure transparency, and comply with risk-based regulations.

Final Thoughts

The EU AI Act is a landmark regulation shaping global AI governance. As AI technology evolves, AI literacy will be critical in ensuring that innovation aligns with human rights, privacy, and ethical values. Staying informed about laws like the EU AI Act will help individuals and businesses use AI responsibly while safeguarding against unethical and high-risk applications.

Want to Learn More?

If you’d like to discuss AI literacy, compliance with the EU AI Act, or ethical AI practices, feel free to reach out! I’d be happy to share insights, offer guidance, or collaborate on responsible AI strategies.