SAS joins over 130 firms in signing European AI Pact

Global data and AI company SAS has signed the European Commission's AI Pact alongside over 130 other firms.

The AI Pact encourages participating companies to enhance their AI governance, identify high-risk AI systems, and promote AI literacy, which are all prescribed requirements of the European Union's AI Act. Firms that sign the Pact will be expected to provide regular updates on their progress and have the opportunity to test and share their AI solutions with the wider community. This initiative is intended to foster best practices and build trust in AI systems across Europe.

Reggie Townsend, Vice President, Data Ethics, at SAS, remarked, "As a nearly 50-year-old data and AI company, SAS has wrestled with the ethical implications of many powerful technologies. Our experience, culture and technology enabled us to quickly begin moving towards compliance with AI regulations and we look forward to collaborating with the organisations that share this commitment."

SAS's efforts align with the company's commitment to responsible innovation, a practice that is reportedly already underway within the organisation. Around the globe, SAS collaborates with regulators, policymakers, and similarly aligned companies to contribute to the shaping of AI-related laws and policies. This includes providing consultancy to the EU and its member states as the legislative framework for trustworthy AI technologies continues to evolve.

Moreover, SAS is working with the Swedish Institute for Standards on developing harmonised standards pertinent to the EU AI Act. This work further exemplifies SAS's proactive approach to adapting to and influencing regulatory landscapes in the AI sector.

By engaging in these activities, SAS aims to position itself as a cooperative entity in the journey towards a more structured and ethically sound AI environment, encompassing both European and international dimensions.