The term AI literacy is moving into the mainstream as the United States (US) and European Union (EU) take steps to ensure people have the appropriate skills and understanding around AI systems and Generative AI tools.
European Union – EU AI Act
The EU has adopted the EU AI Act (April 2024) to regulate the use of artificial intelligence, calling it the world’s first comprehensive AI law. The EU AI Act defines AI literacy as follows:
‘AI literacy’ means skills, knowledge and understanding that allow providers, deployers and affected persons, taking into account their respective rights and obligations in the context of this Regulation, to make an informed deployment of AI systems, as well as to gain awareness about the opportunities and risks of AI and possible harm it can cause
EU AI Act Definitions
A ‘deployer’ refers to “a natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body using an AI system under its authority except where the AI system is used in the course of a personal non-professional activity.”
In Chapter 1, Article 4 titled AI literacy, the EU AI Act uses these terms to cast a broad net in setting out mandates for people and organizations to ensure a certain level of knowledge and training around AI:
Providers and deployers of AI systems shall take measures to ensure, to their best extent, a sufficient level of AI literacy of their staff and other persons dealing with the operation and use of AI systems on their behalf, taking into account their technical knowledge, experience, education and training and the context the AI systems are to be used in, and considering the persons or groups of persons on whom the AI systems are to be used.
EU AI Act Chapter 1 Article 4: AI Literacy
This sends a clear signal that the EU wants people to be informed about their rights and the pros and cons of AI usage. It represents an opportunity to avoid some of the mistakes of the past, when technologies appeared in society without sufficient awareness or training to support people using them effectively and safely.
United States – AI Literacy Act
The US does not have the same reputation as the EU when it comes to laws relating to technology and data. The EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (2016) created strict privacy and security obligations that rippled around the world, and it looks to be following the same path with its AI Act. However, the US may be taking steps toward recognizing and supporting AI literacy.
In December 2023, in recognition of the growing impact of AI on education and society more broadly, two members of the US Congress introduced a bill called the Artificial Intelligence Literacy Act. This bill recognizes that:
As AI becomes increasingly ubiquitous, AI literacy will become as important as digital literacy is today.
Effective AI literacy initiatives encompass not only technical training but also include comprehensive education about the potential benefits and risks associated with AI technologies.
AI literacy initiatives must engage stakeholders and communities in all stages, and specific outreach efforts should be made for communities disproportionately impacted by the digital divide, including minority and rural communities.
Artificial Intelligence Literacy Act
The bill defines AI literacy as “the skills associated with the ability to comprehend the basic principles, concepts, and applications of artificial intelligence, as well as the implications, limitations, and ethical considerations associated with the use of artificial intelligence.” It proposes an amendment to the Digital Equity Act 2021 that supports AI literacy opportunities in education programs.
Although the bill is still in a subcommittee and has not been passed, it both defines and signals the importance of AI literacy and acknowledges the impact of the digital divide. This may help popularize the term and solidify its place in the public consciousness in the US.
