EU Publishes AI Act and Sets Compliance Dates
The AI Act will become fully applicable on August 2nd, 2026.
The European Union Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act) was published on July 12th, 2024, in the EU Official Journal and will enter into force on August 1st, 2024. This legislation has been highly anticipated and has undergone extensive negotiation and revision since its inception in 2021.
The AI Act will become fully applicable on August 2nd, 2026, with some key provisions coming into effect earlier. On February 2nd, 2025, the ban on AI systems deemed to pose an unacceptable risk will apply.
This includes systems like biometric categorization and emotion recognition. Regulations for general-purpose AI systems will take effect on August 2nd, 2025. High-risk AI systems designated by the European Commission and listed in Annex III, such as those used in recruiting, biometrics, and credit scoring, will be regulated starting August 2, 2026.
Finally, on August 2nd, 2027, AI systems categorized under Annex I, which are subject to existing EU health and safety legislation, will be subject to the AI Act. This includes medical devices, machinery, and vehicles.
The AI Act is not the only regulation globally, as over 20 countries have implemented AI regulations or guidelines. However, due to the significance of the EU market, the AI Act is expected to become a benchmark for global businesses.
Businesses must prioritize their global AI compliance programs. Key steps include implementing a governance framework at the board level with input from various business functions, assessing current AI use and creating an inventory of AI systems, identifying risk management principles and procedures, drafting and updating policies related to AI, data privacy, IT, and security, assessing the geographical use of AI and ensuring compliance with global standards, and training staff and updating leadership on AI benefits and risks.
Many obligations under the AI Act are currently broad, with detailed guidance expected in the coming months. Businesses are continuing their compliance efforts and benchmarking against industry peers. Further practical insights will be provided as developments occur.
In March, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the first-ever global resolution on artificial intelligence. The resolution urges nations to prioritize safeguarding human rights, protecting personal data, and monitoring AI for potential risks.