The global AI regulatory landscape is rapidly shifting, with the EU AI Act now officially in force and North America still navigating its fragmented approach to AI governance. In the latest episode of Lunchtime BABLing, BABL AI CEO Dr. Shea Brown is joined by COO Jeffery Recker and CSO Bryan Ilg for an in-depth discussion on these critical developments.

This conversation unpacks the real-world implications of the EU AI Act’s initial enforcement phase, the compliance steps businesses should take, and the uncertainty surrounding AI regulation in the U.S. and Canada. Whether you’re a business leader, AI professional, or policymaker, this episode provides essential insights into staying ahead in the evolving AI compliance landscape.

Topics Discussed:

The EU AI Act: What’s Now in Force?

 
The EU AI Act introduces stringent requirements designed to promote transparency, accountability, and risk mitigation. With its phased rollout beginning, companies must now comply with:
 

• • AI Literacy Requirements (Article 4): Organizations must ensure their employees have a basic understanding of AI systems, particularly those impacting critical decision-making processes.

• • Prohibition of High-Risk AI Practices (Article 5): Certain AI applications, such as biometric categorization, predictive policing, and emotion recognition in workplaces, are now banned.

   

This is just the beginning—companies operating in the EU or providing AI-related services within its jurisdiction must prepare for additional compliance measures rolling out over the next two years.
 

Compliance Timelines & What’s Next

 
The EU AI Act is being implemented in phases, with strict enforcement deadlines approaching. Our panel outlines:
 

• • What businesses need to do now to align with the initial requirements.

• • Upcoming obligations for high-risk AI systems, including conformity assessments and documentation standards.

• • The role of ISO 42001 and other frameworks in helping organizations meet compliance expectations.

 
Companies that act early will have a significant advantage in adapting to these changes and mitigating regulatory risks.
 

North America’s AI Regulatory Uncertainty

 
Unlike the EU, North America lacks a unified AI governance framework. Instead, AI regulation in the U.S. and Canada is evolving through:
 

• • State-specific laws, such as Colorado’s AI Act and New York’s Local Law 144, which require impact assessments and transparency measures.

• • Federal agency initiatives, including the FTC’s increasing scrutiny of deceptive AI practices and NIST’s AI Risk Management Framework.

• The potential repeal of Biden’s AI executive order, which could further impact the regulatory landscape depending on the next administration’s stance.

 
This patchwork of regulations poses challenges for businesses, requiring them to adopt flexible, proactive compliance strategies.
 

Why AI Risk Management & Ethics Matter More Than Ever

 
Beyond compliance, organizations must consider the ethical and operational risks of AI. Our panel emphasizes:
 

• • The business case for responsible AI—why risk management and ethical design are key to building trust and long-term success.

• • The role of AI literacy training in helping organizations make informed decisions and avoid regulatory pitfalls.

• The impact of AI governance on innovation—how businesses can balance compliance with technological advancement.

 
As AI regulations evolve globally, companies that integrate responsible AI practices early will be better positioned to navigate future challenges and opportunities.

Where to Find Episodes

Lunchtime BABLing can be found on YouTube, Simplecast, and all major podcast streaming platforms.

Need Help?

For more information and resources on AI Assurance, be sure to visit BABL AI’s website and stay tuned for future episodes of Lunchtime BABLing