SAS Champions Responsible AI Practices through New Pact
A responsible AI leader, SAS commits to applying EU AI Act principles ahead of schedule.
Global data and AI leader SAS has recently signed the European Commission's AI Pact, becoming part of a coalition of over 130 companies striving to embody the European Union AI Act's principles within their organizations. The AI Pact is a significant step towards enhancing AI governance, pinpointing high-risk AI systems, and fostering AI literacy, as mandated by the Act.
AI Governance and Responsible Innovation
These initiatives align seamlessly with SAS's dedication to responsible innovation. According to Reggie Townsend, Vice President of Data Ethics at SAS, the company is already implementing these strategies effectively. Townsend emphasized the intersection of ethics and technology, sharing, "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. We look forward to collaborating with organizations that share this commitment."
Collaborative Efforts for AI Development
The companies that signed the AI Pact will be responsible for providing progress updates. This framework allows participants to test and share their AI solutions with the broader community, promoting best practices and building trust in AI systems. This collaborative effort is a hallmark of SAS’s approach to AI.
Global Collaboration on AI Regulations
SAS's influence extends worldwide as it collaborates with regulators, policymakers, and other like-minded organizations. This includes working closely with EU officials and member states to inform legislation regarding trustworthy AI. The company plays an active role in advising on the development of harmonized standards for the EU AI Act, ensuring that its commitment to ethical AI influences future regulations.
Engagement with Stakeholders
In the United States, SAS partners with several organizations, such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s U.S. AI Safety Institute Consortium and EqualAI. Additionally, SAS is a member of the Commonwealth AI Consortium, which includes numerous global tech firms, research institutions, nonprofits, and at least six Commonwealth member countries, all dedicated to fostering AI innovation and literacy.
About SAS
SAS is a global leader in data and AI. The company’s software and industry-specific solutions empower organizations to transform data into trusted decisions. SAS provides unmatched capabilities in data management and analytics, which enable organizations to address various challenges and improve outcomes with analytics. SAS remains committed to leading by example, driving innovation while upholding ethical standards in the AI landscape.
SAS and all other SAS Institute Inc. product or service names are registered trademarks or trademarks of SAS Institute Inc. in the USA and other countries. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective companies. Copyright © 2024 SAS Institute Inc. All rights reserved.
Editorial Contact:
Trent Smith
919-531-4726
sas.com/news
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the AI Pact signed by SAS?
The AI Pact is aimed at accelerating the adoption of EU AI Act principles within organizations, focusing on AI governance, high-risk system identification, and promoting AI literacy.
Who is Reggie Townsend?
Reggie Townsend serves as the Vice President of Data Ethics at SAS and plays a key role in guiding the company’s commitment to responsible AI practices.
How does SAS contribute to AI regulation development?
SAS collaborates with legislators, policymakers, and organizations to shape AI laws and standards, ensuring that ethical considerations are integrated into technological advancement.
What does SAS aim to achieve through collaboration?
Through collaboration, SAS seeks to share best practices, build trust in AI systems, and influence the development of effective and ethical AI governance frameworks.
What is SAS’s legacy in the data and AI industry?
With nearly 50 years of experience, SAS has established itself as a leader in data and AI, confronting ethical challenges head-on and promoting responsible technology usage.
