CoLAB-AI Observatory
Introduction
The new scenario shaped by the rapid spread and evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) calls for interdisciplinary reflection to ensure the reliability of new AI technologies. Progress is generally expected to promote widespread well-being; nonetheless, new discoveries are often viewed from both favourable and unfavourable perspectives. AI is no exception, also being perceived as a threat to humanity.
In this context, the CoLAB-AI Observatory was established to study the development of AI using an analytical method, assessing risks through de iure condito and de iure condendo reflections for effective legal and technical regulation.
Its aim is to overcome uncertainties and problems associated with new AI technologies by applying a transversal and holistic approach that enhances its positive potential. This ensures not only the necessary technical reliability but also an anthropocentric perspective that safeguards fundamental human rights.. More generally, the purpose of the Observatory is to ensure the development of AI that is socially, economically and environmentally sustainable.
the Observatory’s activities
The quality of data used by AIs
Within the Observatory’s activities, a central focus is placed on measurement activities, both prior to the development of AI and during or after commercialisation , in order to monitor its performance and assess its actual impact on humanity. Particular attention is paid to the quality of the data used by AI systems. Data quality raises issues regarding privacy, reliability and human conditioning. This critical aspect requires precise analysis and rigorous methods to prevent dangerous and unpredictable consequences.
The Observatory operates in collaboration with the Politecnico di Milano. It is composed of an International Working Group (WG) bringing together experts in legal sciences, computer engineering, cognitive psychology, and communication. The WG studies AI applications both within and beyond the scope of the new EU AI Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2024/1689) and offers regulatory and governance solutions that place AI at the service of humanity , ensuring certainty, uniformity, and timeliness in response to social demands.
The predominantly academic composition of the Observatory aims to ensure its impartiality, while its membership in the RES4NET research network promotes synergies and exchanges to improve the development of AI systems, in compliance with current regulations and ethical principles safeguarding fundamental human rights.
the Observatory’s activities
The quality of data used by AIs
Within the Observatory’s activities, a central focus is placed on measurement activities, both prior to the development of AI and during or after commercialisation , in order to monitor its performance and assess its actual impact on humanity. Particular attention is paid to the quality of the data used by AI systems. Data quality raises issues regarding privacy, reliability and human conditioning. This critical aspect requires precise analysis and rigorous methods to prevent dangerous and unpredictable consequences.
The Observatory operates in collaboration with the Politecnico di Milano. It is composed of an International Working Group (WG) bringing together experts in legal sciences, computer engineering, cognitive psychology, and communication. The WG studies AI applications both within and beyond the scope of the new EU AI Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2024/1689) and offers regulatory and governance solutions that place AI at the service of humanity , ensuring certainty, uniformity, and timeliness in response to social demands.
The predominantly academic composition of the Observatory aims to ensure its impartiality, while its membership in the RES4NET research network promotes synergies and exchanges to improve the development of AI systems, in compliance with current regulations and ethical principles safeguarding fundamental human rights.
Mission
The Observatory has two main objectives: to bridge the gap between academics in the Juridical Sciences (JS) and STEM fields and to strengthen international collaboration, with particular regard to two key methodological concepts: AI Impact Assessment and human-in-the-loop.
Through interdisciplinary work, the Observatory aims to regulate AI through legal norms (hard law), ethical principles (soft law), and technical standards (standards and technoregulation). The aim is to develop transparent AI systems that safeguard fundamental rights and are sustainable, while respecting moral values and ethical principles shared at European and international level.
Under the guidance of the Research Directors, the members of the Observatory conduct and support the activities of the Working Group (WG) by drawing on their multidisciplinary expertise, based on a core principle: the principle of sustainable technological innovation. The Observatory aims to bring together the various sciences contributing to the development, production, dissemination and use of AI to carry out cross-cutting analyses that recognise the contribution of each discipline and enhance the framework for investigation and evaluation.
The contribution of law and the humanities is fundamental to the prior assessment of the compatibility and compliance of new AI technologies with the protection of fundamental rights. Synergy with STEM disciplines and experts from other fields allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the potential of AI systems and their technical, legal and ethical limitations , which should form the basis of every new initiative.
Understanding these ongoing changes is essential, given that the potential applications of AI (including generative AI) are transforming social and economic realities while also directly impacting the environment.
The Observatory, aiming to provide a dynamic and integrated perspective on the AI sector, acts as a hub linking the various disciplines involved, ensuring that each is represented and can contribute to the informed, sustainable and widespread development of new AI technologies.
Ultimately, the Observatory aims to propose solutions for the optimal use of AI,within asystematic and systemic vision based on a proper assessment of risks and benefits.
What we do
Topics under investigation
Analysis of AI topics
Analysis of AI-related topics from interdisciplinary perspectives and promotion meetings and discussions among experts from the disciplines involved;
Technical standards
Mapping of the international and European state of the art in AI, fostering a cross-cutting approach and the development of technical standards;
AI sustainability
Study of AI sustainability in relation to the assessment of AI-related risks and impacts on fundamental rights;
Advantages and disadvantages of AI
Identification of the advantages and disadvantages of AI development in the medium to long term;
human and artificial intelligence
The relationship between human and artificial intelligence in a new vision of life on the planet;
Measurement of AI impact
Development of technological tools to support the measurement of AI impact.
Insights
As a permanent and stable body, the Observatory enables:
- the provision of frequent updates on AI-related topics from different perspectives;
- the identification of new lines of action;
- the early identification of the need to safeguard rights that may be affected by the introduction of new technologies.
This is achieved through the promotion of shared ethical and moral values that can serve as the foundation for the development of Trustworthy AI.
The Observatory also aims to provide an overview of:
