The evolving landscape of artificial intelligence continues to raise critical questions around transparency, copyright, and ethical governance. The European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act), which came into effect in August 2024, represents the world’s first binding legislation on artificial intelligence. It establishes a comprehensive legal framework aimed at mitigating AI risks while encouraging the safe and ethical deployment of AI technologies across Europe.
The European Commission convened four working groups of experts to lead the development of the first Code of Practice for general-purpose AI models under the AI Act.
Dr. Céline Castets-Renard, a Faculty member of the Centre for Law, Technology and Society and a Full Professor in the Faculty of Law, Civil Law Section at University of Ottawa, has been appointed as Vice-Chair for copyright of the of the Working Group on transparency and copyright-related rules. In this role, she will play a pivotal role in guiding stakeholders through the implementation of the AI Act's transparency and copyright-related provisions.
Over the coming months, the working group will engage in a series of discussions, gathering insights from industry, civil society, academia, and independent experts. With expertise in copyright law, AI governance, and the regulation of emerging technologies, Dr. Castets-Renard will be instrumental in shaping practical guidance for compliance with these new regulations.
The working group convened for its first session in September, kicking off a collaborative process that will conclude with a finalized Code of Practice in April 2025. This effort is expected to have wide-reaching implications, not only within Europe but also globally, setting a new benchmark for AI governance.
Dr. Castets-Renard’s appointment builds on her extensive contributions to AI law and international governance, both as University Research Chair on Accountable Artificial Intelligence in a Global Contextat the University of Ottawa and Chair in Law, Accountability and Social Trust in AI at the Artificial and Natural Intelligence Toulouse Institute (ANITI).
Congratulations to Dr. Castets-Renard!