The European Commission is poised to initiate the selection process for the head of its AI Office once the AI Act receives full approval, which is anticipated in May. Until then, policy units A1 and A2 in DG CONNECT will temporarily oversee the AI Office’s tasks.

Establishment of the AI office

Last month, on February 21, the European Commission established the AI Office, with operational activities set to commence in the forthcoming months. The recruitment process for policy and technical roles within the office has already commenced, with applications accepted until March 27. According to the job advertisement, prospective employees can anticipate starting their roles tentatively in autumn.

The AI Office, an internal department within the commission, is tasked with supervising regulations for general-purpose AI systems. Additionally, it will serve as a central coordination body for AI policy at the EU level, facilitating collaboration among various commission departments, EU agencies, companies, and the 27 EU Member States.

The European Commission affirms that standard commission procedures will govern the selection of management positions within the AI Office. Notably, Dragos Tudorache from Romania and Lucilla Sioli, Director for AI and Digital Industry within the commission, are among the potential contenders for the head position.

Approval of the AI Act

The AI Act, a landmark legislation in artificial intelligence, secured approval in the European Parliament this month, with an overwhelming majority of 523 votes in favor, 46 against, and 49 abstentions. However, formal endorsement from the 27 EU governments is pending and scheduled for May.

Once in force, the AI Act will categorize AI systems into four main categories based on the level of risk they pose to society. Systems deemed high risk will be subject to stringent regulations before they enter the EU market. Furthermore, prohibitions outlined in the AI Act are set to take effect in November. The regulations governing general-purpose AI systems will come into force in May 2025, with obligations for high-risk systems following suit in three years.

National oversight and regulatory framework

Member states will play a pivotal role in overseeing high-risk AI systems supported by the AI Office. They are required to establish their national regulators within 12 months of the AI Act coming into effect.

As the European Union progresses towards formally adopting the AI Act, preparations are underway to establish the AI Office as a crucial entity in supervising AI regulations and policies. The appointment of its head, alongside recruiting staff, underscores the EU’s commitment to fostering responsible AI deployment and protecting societal interests. With the impending enactment of the AI Act, stakeholders are gearing up to navigate the evolving landscape of AI governance within the European Union.

Microsoft has announced a major change in its Rewards program for Xbox users. In April, the familiar Microsoft Rewards App on Xbox will see its end. This change will result in the discontinuation of the popular weekly streaks feature. Users are encouraged to transition to the Rewards hub, a platform introduced last year, for all their Xbox activities and offers.

Moving to Microsoft Rewards Hub

Starting in April, the Rewards hub will become the central spot for earning points through gaming. Microsoft plans to cease publishing tasks and offers in the existing app on the console. The final weekly set and streak tasks will wrap up by April 15, 2024. The company promises the Rewards hub will offer a more streamlined experience, making it easier for users to engage with Xbox activities, set goals, and redeem rewards. The hub is not just limited to console users but is also accessible on other devices, ensuring a unified experience for all.

User adaptation

The transition raises questions about what new activities Microsoft will introduce to keep the Rewards program enticing. Currently, the hub includes daily, weekly, and monthly quests for Xbox Game Pass members, among other activities. Recent cuts to the Rewards program have led to concerns about its value. However, Microsoft hints at exciting updates and potential new ways to earn rewards.

In the past year, the program has seen several reductions, including the end of daily achievement tasks for non-Game Pass subscribers and fewer points available for various activities. Despite these changes, the removal of search cooldowns for many users has been a positive update. With the upcoming change to the Rewards hub, Microsoft aims to rejuvenate the program, offering users fresh and engaging ways to earn rewards.