Full Definition
What is the EU AI Act?
The EU AI Act is the world's first comprehensive legal framework regulating artificial intelligence. Adopted in 2024, it takes a risk-based approach to AI regulation, with stricter rules for higher-risk applications. It aims to ensure AI systems are safe, transparent, and respect fundamental rights.
Risk Categories
Unacceptable Risk (Banned)
- Social scoring by governments
- Real-time biometric identification in public
- Manipulation of vulnerable groups
- Emotion recognition in workplaces/schools
High Risk
- Critical infrastructure
- Education and employment
- Law enforcement
- Migration and asylum
- Access to essential services
Limited Risk
- Chatbots (transparency required)
- Emotion recognition systems
- Deepfakes (disclosure required)
Minimal Risk
- AI-enabled video games
- Spam filters
- Most AI applications
Key Requirements (High-Risk)
- Risk management systems
- Data governance standards
- Technical documentation
- Record-keeping
- Transparency to users
- Human oversight
- Accuracy and robustness
Timeline
- 2024: Act enters into force
- 2025: Prohibited AI provisions apply
- 2026: Full application for high-risk AI