AI ACT becomes law in the European Union: The First Global Approach to AI Regulation

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The AI Act, the world’s first legislation of its kind, regulating the use and development of artificial intelligence (AI) on a global scale, has officially become law. Adopted by the European Parliament on March 13, 2024, and approved by the Council of the European Union on May 21, 2024, this legislation underscores the immense importance of AI in our society.

The law came into force on August 1, 2024, providing a clear legal framework for the responsible development of AI, protecting the fundamental rights of European citizens. It marks a global first, being the inaugural legislative approach aiming to regulate AI on such a large scale.

What Does the AI Act Introduce?

• Risk Classification: AI systems are classified based on the risk they pose, with four categories: unacceptable risk, high risk, limited risk, and minimal risk.
• Strict Regulations for High-Risk Applications: These include systems used in sectors like healthcare, education, and law enforcement, which will be subject to strict transparency and safety requirements.
• Transparency and Oversight: AI developers must provide clear information about how their systems function and ensure data protection.
• Prohibition of Certain AI Practices: Systems such as social scoring or real-time biometric surveillance are banned as they pose significant risks to fundamental rights.

Implementation Timelines:

• AI systems deemed to have unacceptable risks will be banned 6 months after the law comes into effect.
• General-purpose AI systems will be regulated within 12 months.
• Requirements for high-risk systems will have a 36-month implementation period.

This act establishes a unified regulatory framework across all EU member states, aiming to ensure responsible AI development and protect citizens from potential risks associated with improper technology use.

For more details, visit the official announcement by the European Commission: AI Act Official Page​ European Commission