What role do sectoral regulators play under the AI Act?

The role of sectoral regulators under the AI Act is fundamentally centered around enforcement within their respective sectors. This entails ensuring compliance with the standards and requirements set forth by the AI Act. Sectoral regulators, such as those in finance, healthcare, or telecommunications, are tasked with monitoring the deployment of AI technologies in their areas of oversight to protect consumers, uphold safety standards, and ensure that AI applications align with ethical considerations and regulatory frameworks.

This enforcement responsibility includes the ability to conduct audits, impose penalties for non-compliance, and verify that AI systems meet the required risk classifications stipulated by the AI Act. By acting in this capacity, sectoral regulators play a crucial role in creating a safe and trustworthy environment for the use of AI technologies, thereby supporting public confidence in AI applications.

The other options do not accurately reflect the responsibilities designated to sectoral regulators under the AI Act. Creating new AI technologies pertains to the innovation and development sector rather than regulatory enforcement. Developing marketing strategies is more aligned with business and marketing roles, while providing funding to AI startups falls under the purview of venture capital and investment sectors rather than regulatory functions.