New AI assistant helps companies apply EU AI legislation

The EU AI Act (Regulation (EU) 2024/1689) is the world’s first comprehensive legal framework designed to enable the development of trustworthy AI in Europe. 

It introduces new types of obligations and rules for companies, with implementation often left to their own responsibility. 

Researchers at Tampere University have developed a tailored AI assistant to support the application of the EU AI Act and the transition to the new regulatory framework. 

“The AI Act sets important obligations. Large companies can rely on legal teams to handle new legislation, but SMEs face a different situation. The tool we have developed supports practical implementation and makes the requirements immediately actionable,” says Chalisa Veesommai Sillberg, Project Researcher at Tampere University’s Pori Unit. 

A toolkit for AI regulation compliance 

The TESSA AI assistant, developed at Tampere University and powered by ChatGPT, is based on a guide published by GPT-Lab researchers earlier this spring. The research-based guide was produced as part of the project Generative AI in Support of Business (GENT). 

TESSA is a personalized chat assistant tailored with the content of the guide, allowing users to ask questions about EU AI legislation. 

The AI assistant does not provide legal advice. It helps companies apply the guide’s recommendations in business contexts and responds in clear language based on the EU AI Act and the findings of the guide. 

Together, the AI assistant and the guide form a practical toolkit. The guide provides step-by-step instructions and support for tasks such as AI system risk classification and ensuring transparency. The TESSA AI assistant adds personalized support for applying the regulation in real-world situations.