Module A.4 - HLEG Guidelines for Trustworthy AI
ModulesModule A.4 - HLEG Guidelines for Trustworthy AI
This module introduces the European approach to Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Ethics Guidelines for Trustworthy AI developed by the High-Level Expert Group on Artificial Intelligence (HLEG). It presents the four ethical principles and the seven key requirements for trustworthy AI, and explains how these principles can be translated into practical considerations for the design, development, deployment, and use of AI systems.
The module also introduces the Assessment List for Trustworthy AI (ALTAI) as a practical self-assessment tool and presents the AIOLIA Ethics Readiness Levels (ERLs) methodology for supporting continuous ethics-by-design. It further provides an overview of relevant aspects of the EU AI Act, including its scope, risk levels, prohibited practices, and high-risk AI systems.
Learning Goals
- Understand the European approach to Trustworthy AI
- Understand the four ethical principles of the HLEG Ethics Guidelines
- Identify the seven key requirements for Trustworthy AI
- Understand the purpose and basic use of the ALTAI framework
- Understand how Ethics Readiness Levels support continuous ethics-by-design
- Recognise key aspects of the EU AI Act relevant to AI systems and research
- Identify examples of prohibited and high-risk AI practices
What is this about?
This module introduces the HLEG Ethics Guidelines for Trustworthy AI and their four ethical principles and seven key requirements. It also presents ALTAI as a practical tool for assessing trustworthy AI and the AIOLIA Ethics Readiness Levels methodology for supporting the integration of ethics throughout the AI lifecycle.
The module also provides an introduction to relevant aspects of the EU AI Act, including its scope, risk classification, prohibited practices, and high-risk AI systems.Why is this important?
Understanding the principles and requirements of Trustworthy AI provides a foundation for identifying and addressing ethical considerations in AI systems. Practical frameworks such as ALTAI and the AIOLIA Ethics Readiness Levels help translate these principles into structured reflection and assessment throughout the AI lifecycle.
An understanding of the relevant EU AI Act concepts is also important for recognising how AI systems may be affected by the European regulatory framework, particularly in research and real-world applications.HLEG Guidelines for Trustworthy AI
The European Union promotes Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence (AI) as the foundation for responsible AI development and deployment, requiring systems to be lawful, ethical, and technically robust. Established by the European Commission, the High-Level Expert Group on AI (HLEG) introduced the Ethics Guidelines for Trustworthy AI in 2019, defining four foundational ethical principles—Respect for Human Autonomy, Prevention of Harm, Fairness, and Explicability. These principles translate into seven practical requirements: Human Agency & Oversight, Technical Robustness & Safety, Privacy & Data Governance, Transparency, Diversity, Non-Discrimination & Fairness, Societal & Environmental Wellbeing, and Accountability. To operationalize these guidelines across the AI lifecycle, the EC created the Assessment List for Trustworthy AI (ALTAI). Moving beyond "box-ticking" checklists, the Ethics Readiness Levels (ERLs) framework utilizes semi-structured dialogues between technical and ethics experts to measure and advance ethical maturity across five discrete levels (ERL 0 to ERL 4). Applying these ethical frameworks is crucial when evaluating research projects against the regulatory context of the EU AI Act. While Article 2 provides a "safe harbor" research exemption for scientific R&D, real-world testing, pilots in sensitive operational settings (such as healthcare, education, or employment), and commercialization move projects into a "Grey Zone" where high-risk obligations or Article 5 prohibited practices may apply.
The seven ALTAI Requirements for Trustworthy AI
The image below illustrates the seven ALTAI requirements for Trustworthy AI. Click on each "+" symbol to learn more about each requirement and its meaning.
Drag the words: The 7 ALTAI Requirements for Trustworthy AI
Drag each ALTAI requirement into the correct box according to its description.
AI Act Classification & "Grey Zone" Risks
Categorise each research scenario according to its EU AI Act classification or regulatory status.
Multiple Choice Check
Choose the correct answer for each question.
What is this about?
This module introduces the HLEG Ethics Guidelines for Trustworthy AI and their four ethical principles and seven key requirements. It also presents ALTAI as a practical tool for assessing trustworthy AI and the AIOLIA Ethics Readiness Levels methodology for supporting the integration of ethics throughout the AI lifecycle.
The module also provides an introduction to relevant aspects of the EU AI Act, including its scope, risk classification, prohibited practices, and high-risk AI systems.Why is this important?
Understanding the principles and requirements of Trustworthy AI provides a foundation for identifying and addressing ethical considerations in AI systems. Practical frameworks such as ALTAI and the AIOLIA Ethics Readiness Levels help translate these principles into structured reflection and assessment throughout the AI lifecycle.
An understanding of the relevant EU AI Act concepts is also important for recognising how AI systems may be affected by the European regulatory framework, particularly in research and real-world applications.
