No legal jargon. No 400-page documents. Just a clear, simple explanation of what the EU AI Act means for your business.
The EU AI Act (Regulation EU 2024/1689) is the world's first comprehensive law regulating artificial intelligence. It was passed by the European Union in 2024.
In simple terms, it sets rules for how AI can be used — to protect people's rights, safety, and fundamental freedoms. Think of it like GDPR, but for AI.
It applies to any organization that develops, deploys, or uses AI systems in the European Union — regardless of where the company is based.
If your business operates in the EU and uses ANY AI tools, it probably does. This includes tools you might not think of as "AI":
If you use any of these, the EU AI Act applies to you. The question is not if you need to comply, but how.
The EU AI Act classifies AI systems into four risk levels. Your obligations depend on where your AI falls.
AI practices that are considered an unacceptable risk to people's safety and rights. These are banned outright.
AI systems that could significantly impact people's safety, rights, or opportunities. Allowed, but with strict obligations.
AI systems that interact with people or generate content. Must be transparent about being AI.
AI systems that pose little to no risk. No specific legal obligations, but voluntary codes of conduct are encouraged.
The EU AI Act is being enforced in phases. Here are the dates that matter.
Banned AI practices take effect. All organizations must ensure staff AI literacy (Art. 4). This deadline has already passed.
Obligations for providers of general-purpose AI models, including transparency and documentation requirements.
The majority of the EU AI Act takes effect. High-risk AI systems, transparency requirements, and conformity assessments become mandatory.
Existing high-risk AI systems in regulated products (medical devices, machinery, etc.) must fully comply. Full penalty regime applies.
Five simple steps to start your compliance journey.
Make a list of every AI tool your organization uses — including third-party services like ChatGPT, automated marketing tools, and recommendation engines.
Determine which risk category each AI system falls into: prohibited, high-risk, limited risk, or minimal risk.
Generate the required compliance documents: risk assessments, DPIAs, technical documentation, and transparency notices.
Article 4 requires AI literacy for all staff who interact with AI. This has been mandatory since February 2025.
Compliance is not one-and-done. Regularly review your AI systems, update documentation, and retrain staff as AI tools change.
Take our free 2-minute assessment to find out where your business stands with the EU AI Act. No signup required.
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