Key infos:
- Date: Friday, 28. February 2025, 14.00-17:30
- Location: Top floor of the Juridicum, University of Vienna, Schottenbastei 10-16, 1010 Vienna
- Registration: Attendance is free of charge but registration is required. Please register here.
The increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) systems into various aspects of our daily lives continue raising concerns about their potential adverse effects on society, democracy, fundamental rights, and the rule of law. In response, various governance frameworks have emerged across different jurisdictions to address the challenges posed by AI. Notably, the European Union's AI Act, which entered into force on 1 August 2024, stands out as the first legislation of its kind to introduce comprehensive rules governing the development and deployment of AI systems in the EU. However, understanding the complexities and nuances of this legislation remains a significant challenge.
The Department of Innovation and Digitalisation in Law of the University of Vienna is therefore delighted to invite you to the first event in a series of three dedicated to exploring the implications, opportunities, and challenges presented by the AI Act. The event series is organised on the occasion of the launch of the books "EU Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act: A Commentary" and "AI Governance and Liability in Europe: A Primer" by Wolters Kluwer, edited by Ceyhun Necati Pehlivan, Nikolaus Forgó and Peggy Valcke. The first event of the series in Vienna will bring together leading experts, academics and policymakers in the field to discuss AI literacy measures and the governance structure under the AI Act. The next two events in Brussels and Madrid will be further dedicated to different aspects of the AI Act, providing a comprehensive overview of and encouraging diverse dialogue on the new regulatory framework for AI in the EU.
Keynotes and the first part of each panel discussion (without interaction with the audience) will be streamed, whereas the second part of the debate (including audience interventions) will be in site only, following Chatham house rules.
Programme
- 14:00: Welcome/Opening remarks by
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Nikolaus Forgó
Head of the Department of Innovation and Digitalisation in Law of the University of Vienna - 14:15-15:30: Part I - AI Governance
Keynote by
Dr. Klaus Steinmaurer
Executive Director at the Telecommunications and Postal Services at Rundfunk und Telekom Regulierungs-GmbH, Vienna
followed by a panel, moderated by
Clara Saillant, LL.M.
Research Associate
Department of Innovation and Digitalisation in Law of the University of Vienna
with contributions from
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Christiane Wendehorst, LL.M. (Cantab.)
Professor of Civil Law, Deputy Head of the Department of Innovation and Digitalisation in Law of the University of Vienna
Scientific Director of the European Law Institute
MMag. Elisabeth Wagner
Deputy Commissioner of the Austrian Data Protection Authority
Prof. Dr. Peggy Valcke
Co-Director of Centre for IT & IP Law at KU Leuven,
Executive Board Member at theBelgian Institute for Postal Services and Telecommunications
followed by
Discussion and Q&A - 15:30-15:45: Coffee break
- 15:45-17:15: Part II - AI Literacy
Keynote by
Dr. Elora Fernandez (remote)
Postdoctoral Researcher at Centre for IT & IP Law at KU Leuven
followed by a panel, moderated by
Univ.-Ass. Mag. Adriana Winkelmeier
Department of Innovation and Digitalisation in Law of the University of Vienna
with contributions from
Ceyhun Necati Pehlivan, LL.M.
Counsel and Head of Technology, Media Telecommunications and Intellectual Property Group at Linklaters, Madrid
Editor-in-chief of Global Privacy Law Review at Wolters Kluwer
Dr. Jeanette Gorzala
Vice Chair, AI Board of the Austrian Government
Founder, ACT AI NOW
Dr. Lukas Feiler
Partner at Baker McKenzie, Vienna
Dr. Sonja Dürager, LL.M.
Partner at bpv Hügel, Salzburg
followed by
Discussion and Q&A - 17:15: Closing remarks
- 17:30: End of event - Reception