The Finnish government has proposed a regulatory sandbox for artificial intelligence (AI) systems, aiming to ensure their safe development and deployment.
What happened
According to Minister of Economic Affairs Sakari Puisto, AI improves efficiency and creates new business opportunities, but its rapid advancement also raises concerns about associated risks. The proposed regulatory sandbox would allow businesses to develop and test AI systems under authority supervision before they are placed on the market.
Within the sandbox, participants can identify regulatory requirements and potential challenges at an early stage. Testing would take place for a limited period and in accordance with a pre-agreed plan. High-risk AI systems could also be tested in real-world conditions, either within or outside the sandbox, provided certain conditions are met.
The EU AI Act, which entered into force in August 2024, aims to ensure AI systems do not endanger people's safety, health, or fundamental rights. The proposed amendments, including the regulatory sandbox, are scheduled to enter into force on February 1, 2027, with the sandbox operational from May 3, 2027.
