# Recital (27)

While the risk-based approach is the basis for a proportionate and effective set of binding rules, it is important to 
recall the 2019 Ethics guidelines for trustworthy AI developed by the independent AI HLEG appointed by the 
Commission. In those guidelines, the AI HLEG developed seven non-binding ethical principles for AI which are 
intended to help ensure that AI is trustworthy and ethically sound. The seven principles include human agency and 
oversight; technical robustness and safety; privacy and data governance; transparency; diversity, non-discrimination 
and fairness; societal and environmental well-being and accountability. Without prejudice to the legally binding 
requirements of this Regulation and any other applicable Union law, those guidelines contribute to the design of 
coherent, trustworthy and human-centric AI, in line with the Charter and with the values on which the Union is 
founded. According to the guidelines of the AI HLEG, human agency and oversight means that AI systems are 
developed and used as a tool that serves people, respects human dignity and personal autonomy, and that is 
functioning in a way that can be appropriately controlled and overseen by humans. Technical robustness and safety 
means that AI systems are developed and used in a way that allows robustness in the case of problems and resilience 
against attempts to alter the use or performance of the AI system so as to allow unlawful use by third parties, and 
minimise unintended harm. Privacy and data governance means that AI systems are developed and used in 
accordance with privacy and data protection rules, while processing data that meets high standards in terms of 
quality and integrity. Transparency means that AI systems are developed and used in a way that allows appropriate 
traceability and explainability, while making humans aware that they communicate or interact with an AI system, as 
well as duly informing deployers of the capabilities and limitations of that AI system and affected persons about their 
rights. Diversity, non-discrimination and fairness means that AI systems are developed and used in a way that 
includes diverse actors and promotes equal access, gender equality and cultural diversity, while avoiding 
discriminatory impacts and unfair biases that are prohibited by Union or national law. Social and environmental 
well-being means that AI systems are developed and used in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner as 
well as in a way to benefit all human beings, while monitoring and assessing the long-term impacts on the 
individual, society and democracy. The application of those principles should be translated, when possible, in the 
design and use of AI models. They should in any case serve as a basis for the drafting of codes of conduct under this 
Regulation. All stakeholders, including industry, academia, civil society and standardisation organisations, are 
encouraged to take into account, as appropriate, the ethical principles for the development of voluntary best 
practices and standards.

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Source: Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 (Artificial Intelligence Act) as amended by Regulation (EU) 2026/1744, consolidated text of 27 July 2026 (Official Journal of the EU). This page is AI-generated legal information, not legal advice. Verify against the Official Journal.
Canonical: https://euaiactlaw.com/recital/27