What is the EU AI Act?
The EU AI Act is a binding regulatory framework that governs the development, commercialization, and use of artificial intelligence systems within the European Union. Its central aim is to ensure AI operates safely and ethically, balancing the protection of fundamental rights with the promotion of innovation. The Act introduces a risk-based approach, classifying AI systems into four categories—unacceptable risk, high risk, limited risk, and minimal risk—with corresponding obligations for providers and users. For example, high-risk applications such as medical diagnostics or workplace performance monitoring require the establishment of a risk management system, robust documentation, and ongoing oversight.
Enforcement of the EU AI Act is managed by national regulators within each EU country, supported by supranational bodies like the EU AI Office and the EU AI Board. National authorities are responsible for market surveillance and ensuring compliance, while the EU AI Office works to harmonize enforcement and provide guidance across member states. This decentralized, sector-based approach allows for tailored oversight but may result in some variation in enforcement practices across countries. The Act’s design reflects the EU’s broader commitment to harmonizing AI governance, ensuring both safety and innovation, and fostering trust in AI technologies across the single market.
Systems such as social scoring and real-time biometric identification are banned unless strictly regulated for law enforcement purposes.
Systems impacting fundamental rights or safety (e.g., biometric identification, critical infrastructure, education, employment) require conformity assessments, registration in an EU database, and continuous monitoring
Providers must assess systemic risks and adhere to transparency and governance standards starting August 2025