The use of artificial intelligence in the EU will be regulated by the AI Act, the world’s first comprehensive law on artificial intelligence. The EU’s priority is to ensure that AI systems used in the EU are safe, transparent, traceable, non-discriminatory, and environmentally friendly.
The AI ACT was adopted in March 2024. It will come into full effect 24 months after its entry into force, but some parts will be implemented earlier.
Different rules for different risk levels
The new rules establish obligations for providers and users according to the level of risk posed by artificial intelligence.
Unacceptable risk
Unacceptable risk AI systems are systems that are considered a threat to people and will be prohibited (e.g. games that use a voice that encourages risky behavior).
High risk
Artificial intelligence systems that adversely affect safety or fundamental rights will be considered high risk and will be divided into two categories.
- Artificial intelligence systems used in products covered by EU legislation on product safety, e.g., games, aviation, etc.
- Artificial intelligence systems falling within specific sectors that need to be registered in an EU database.
All high-risk ΑΙ systems will be assessed before being placed on the market and throughout their lifecycle. Citizens will have the right to lodge complaints about ΑΙ systems with designated national authorities.
Transparency Risk
Certain AI systems intended to interact with natural persons or to generate content may pose specific risks of impersonation or deception, irrespective of whether they qualify as high-risk AI systems or not. The AI Act establishes specific transparency obligations to ensure that people are informed when necessary, thereby enhancing trust.
Minimal Risk
The AI Act allows the free use of minimal-risk AI. This includes applications such as AI-enabled video games or spam filters. Most AI systems currently used in the EU fall into this category.
The AI Act aims to provide developers and AI operators with clear requirements and obligations regarding specific uses of AI. At the same time, the regulation seeks to reduce the administrative and financial burden on businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
You can find more information on the relevant pages of the European Parliament and the European Commission.
