Magda Cocco took part in the latest episode of Expresso’s podcast, ‘Quatro à Conversa’ (“Four in Conversation”), where she discussed the impact of artificial intelligence on law, regulation and labour dynamics.

Alongside Paulo Dimas, CEO of the Centre for Responsible AI, the VdA partner highlighted the importance of AI literacy, which she considers ‘mandatory for all companies, regardless of their use cases, as well as for universities, schools and society at large, so that we can safely harness the full potential of this technology’.

At a regulatory level, she addressed the role of the AI Act, describing it as an extremely complex, yet not prohibitive, legal instrument. ‘The AI Act incorporates a set of responsible AI principles into law’ and establishes specific obligations that companies must comply with in high-risk situations, namely where fundamental rights may be at stake. She also stressed that governments have a key role to play in simplifying the legal complexity associated with the regulation.

Throughout the conversation, Magda Cocco reflected on the structural impact of artificial intelligence on the labour market and legal practice, recognising its profoundly transformative nature.

‘Artificial intelligence is at the core of our activity and it is fascinating to witness this transformation, to be part of the process and to help shape a more responsible technology.'

For the VdA partner, we are facing a large-scale transformation that will require adaptation and critical thinking, but which also represents an opportunity to build technology that is more responsible and aligned with fundamental values. ‘I believe we will adapt and society will evolve, as it has done at other moments in history. The only difference is perhaps the disruptive and far-reaching nature of this technology.’

• This episode of the podcast is available here.