PMC Academic - Obligations to assess: Recent trends in AI accountability regulations

Summary

This paper examines recent trends in AI accountability regulations that require developers to conduct impact assessments of automated decision systems across social, economic, and ethical dimensions. Analyzing four legislative examples from the US and EU, the authors demonstrate how regulations are shifting beyond technical assessments toward accountability documentation as a governance mechanism. The paper identifies three core concerns these regulations address: identifying and documenting harms, ensuring public transparency, and enforcing anti-discrimination rules. The authors provide insights for system designers on preparing for and complying with emerging regulatory requirements.