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French Public Sector AI Law

View Law Text
Maximum Fine
€500,000
Scope
Public Sector
Regulator
CNIL
Effective Date
2023

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Comprehensive framework regulating the use of artificial intelligence systems in the French public sector

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Overview

The French Public Sector AI Law establishes a comprehensive framework for the responsible deployment of AI systems by public authorities, ensuring transparency, accountability, and protection of fundamental rights.

Key Facts

  • Applies to all AI systems used by public authorities
  • Requires transparency in algorithmic decision-making
  • Mandates human oversight for critical decisions
  • Establishes strict accountability measures
  • Enforces non-discrimination requirements

Key Principles

Public Interest

AI systems must serve the public interest and respect fundamental rights

Requirements

  • Assessment of public benefit
  • Protection of fundamental rights
  • Consideration of collective interests
  • Evaluation of social impact
  • Promotion of democratic values

Examples

  • Impact assessments for new AI systems
  • Public consultation processes
  • Rights protection frameworks
  • Social benefit evaluations
  • Democratic oversight mechanisms

Non-Discrimination

Prevention of discriminatory outcomes in public sector AI systems

Requirements

  • Regular bias testing
  • Diverse data representation
  • Fairness metrics monitoring
  • Equal access provisions
  • Anti-discrimination safeguards

Examples

  • Bias detection tools
  • Representative data collection
  • Fairness audits
  • Accessibility measures
  • Protection mechanisms

Algorithmic Transparency

Ensuring transparency in public sector AI decision-making

Requirements

  • Clear disclosure of AI use
  • Explainable algorithms
  • Public documentation
  • Decision process clarity
  • Regular reporting

Examples

  • Public AI registers
  • Algorithm explanations
  • Documentation portals
  • Process flowcharts
  • Transparency reports

Compliance Requirements

Transparency Requirements

Requirements for transparency in AI systems used by public authorities

Implementation Steps

  • Clear disclosure of AI system usage to citizens
  • Documentation of algorithmic decision-making processes
  • Publication of impact assessments
  • Regular audits of AI systems
  • Maintenance of public registers for AI systems

Required Documentation

  • AI system documentation
  • Impact assessment reports
  • Audit reports
  • Public disclosure documents
  • Training materials for staff

Accountability Measures

Measures ensuring accountability in public sector AI deployment

Implementation Steps

  • Designation of responsible personnel
  • Implementation of oversight mechanisms
  • Regular reporting to supervisory authorities
  • Establishment of complaint handling procedures
  • Creation of redress mechanisms

Required Documentation

  • Responsibility assignment matrix
  • Oversight procedures
  • Compliance reports
  • Complaint handling procedures
  • Redress mechanism documentation

Human Oversight

Requirements for human oversight of AI systems

Implementation Steps

  • Training of human operators
  • Implementation of human-in-the-loop processes
  • Definition of override procedures
  • Regular review of automated decisions
  • Documentation of human interventions

Required Documentation

  • Training protocols
  • Oversight procedures
  • Override guidelines
  • Review logs
  • Intervention records

Enforcement & Penalties

Administrative Oversight

Enforcement through administrative bodies and oversight mechanisms

Penalty Categories

Non-compliance with transparency requirements
Up to €150,000
Failure to properly disclose AI system usage or maintain required documentation
Violation of accountability measures
Up to €300,000
Serious breaches of accountability requirements or oversight procedures

Example Cases

Municipal AI System Case
€75,000
2023 - Failure to maintain proper documentation and transparency in municipal service AI
Public Healthcare AI
€120,000
2023 - Inadequate human oversight in healthcare decision-making system

Judicial Enforcement

Enforcement through court proceedings and legal actions

Penalty Categories

Rights violations
Up to €500,000
Serious violations of fundamental rights through AI systems
Discriminatory practices
Up to €400,000
Implementation of discriminatory AI systems in public services

Example Cases

Administrative AI Discrimination
€200,000
2023 - Discriminatory outcomes in administrative decision-making AI
Public Education AI
€150,000
2023 - Lack of transparency in educational assessment AI system