The use of AAA systems can adversely affect the fundamental rights of individuals, to help address these concerns the EU AI Act and ForHumanity Certification Schemes require a number of provisions to help protect individuals from harm. One of these provisions is the requirement for deployers of ‘high-risk’ AAA systems that are bodies governed by public law, or are private entities providing public services to conduct a Fundamental Rights Impact Assessment (FRIA) as per Article 27 of the EU AI Act. Whilst not required, it can be good practice for all deployers to voluntarily conduct a FRIA. An FRIA shall be performed by the Ethics Committee or equivalent body within the organisation.

This document will outline a comprehensive strategy for mitigating any direct or indirect adverse effects on individuals fundamental rights. The ethics committee must carefully evaluate the intended purpose, geographical and temporal scope of utilisation, categories of affected individuals and groups, specific risks faced by marginalised communities, and potential environmental implications, such as energy consumption. Additionally, the Fundamental Rights Impact Assessment (FRIA) should encompass adherence to both EU and national legislations, fundamental rights laws, and potential negative impacts on EU values.  For public authorities, considerations regarding democracy, the rule of law, and the allocation of public funding should also be considered.

The Fundamental Rights Impact Assessment (FRIA) shall complement the Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) (if one has been completed as a requirement of EU GDPR), to which the DPIA may be published as an addendum.