CERTAIN Drives Ethical AI Compliance in Europe
In response to the increasing regulations like the EU AI Act, the EU-funded initiative CERTAIN aims to drive ethical AI compliance across Europe. Launched in January 2025, CERTAIN stands for “Certification for Ethical and Regulatory Transparency in Artificial Intelligence”, emphasizing the development of tools and frameworks that promote transparency, compliance, and sustainability in AI technologies.
Led by Idemia Identity & Security France in collaboration with 19 partners across ten European countries, CERTAIN seeks to establish a model that could serve as a blueprint for global AI governance.
Driving Ethical AI Practices in Europe
According to a senior researcher at the St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences (UAS), the primary goal of CERTAIN is to tackle crucial regulatory and ethical challenges within AI development. The initiative aims to create tools that ensure AI systems are transparent and verifiable, adhering to the requirements set forth by the EU’s AI Act.
By developing practically feasible solutions, CERTAIN intends to assist companies in fulfilling regulatory requirements efficiently while bolstering trust in AI technologies.
CERTAIN’s efforts are focused on creating user-friendly tools and guidelines that simplify compliance with complex AI regulations, thereby helping public and private organizations navigate these rules effectively.
Harmonising Standards and Improving Sustainability
One of the core objectives of CERTAIN is to establish consistent standards for data sharing and AI development throughout Europe. By setting industry-wide norms for interoperability, the project seeks to enhance collaboration and efficiency in the application of AI-driven technologies.
This effort not only targets compliance but also aims to unlock new opportunities for innovation. CERTAIN’s solutions will facilitate the creation of open and trustworthy European data spaces, which are vital for driving sustainable economic growth.
In alignment with the EU’s Green Deal, CERTAIN is committed to sustainability. It recognizes the significant environmental challenges posed by AI technologies, such as high energy consumption and resource-intensive data processing. To address these issues, CERTAIN promotes the development of energy-efficient AI systems and advocates for eco-friendly data management practices.
A Collaborative Framework to Unlock AI Innovation
A unique aspect of CERTAIN lies in its approach to fostering collaboration and dialogue among various stakeholders. The project team at St. Pölten UAS actively engages with researchers, tech companies, policymakers, and end-users in co-developing, testing, and refining ideas, tools, and standards.
This collaborative exchange extends beyond product development; CERTAIN also serves as a central authority, keeping stakeholders informed about legal, ethical, and technical matters related to AI and certification.
By maintaining open communication channels, CERTAIN ensures that its outcomes are both practical and widely adopted across the industry.
Ensuring Compliance with Ethical AI Regulations in Europe
As the EU’s AI Act approaches implementation, the guidelines and tools developed under CERTAIN will be crucial. The Act will impose strict requirements on AI systems, particularly those categorized as “high-risk”, such as applications in healthcare, transportation, and law enforcement.
While these regulations aim to enhance safety and accountability, they also present challenges for organizations striving to comply.
CERTAIN endeavors to ease these challenges by providing actionable solutions that align with Europe’s legal framework while promoting innovation. In doing so, the project is poised to play a pivotal role in positioning Europe as a global leader in ethical AI development.
