This is the new EU AI Act

What does the new EU AI Act entail?

All the important questions answered for you

• What is the EU AI Act?

  The EU AI Act is a European regulation that regulates the development, distribution and use of artificial intelligence (AI) within the European Union. The goal is to ensure secure, transparent and ethical AI systems that respect fundamental rights, such as privacy and non-discrimination. These regulations introduce a risk-based approach, classifying AI applications based on their impact on society.

• Why was the EU AI Act introduced?

  The EU AI Act is designed to anticipate the risks associated with the rapid development of AI technologies. Without regulation, AI systems can lead to discrimination, loss of privacy and other harmful effects. By providing a legal framework, the regulation encourages safe innovation and protects the rights of citizens in the EU. This makes technology safer and more reliable.

• To whom does the EU AI Act apply?

  The EU AI Act applies to a wide range of parties, including:

  • Developers and manufacturers of AI systems.
  • Importers and distributors of AI technology.
  • Users within the EU who deploy AI systems.

  Companies outside the EU are also covered by these regulations if their AI systems impact users within the European Union.

• How does the EU AI Act classify AI systems based on risk?

  The regulation divides AI systems into four risk categories:

  • Unacceptable risk: Systems that harm fundamental rights, such as social scoring by governments. These are prohibited.
  • High risk: Applications in critical sectors (e.g., health care, education, law enforcement). These must meet strict requirements.
  • Limited risk: Systems with specific transparency requirements, such as chatbots that must inform users that they are interacting with AI.
  • Minimal risk: AI systems that pose little or no risk and do not require additional regulation.

  This approach ensures that regulation is proportionate and targeted.

• What are the obligations for providers of high-risk AI systems?

  Providers of high-risk AI systems must meet strict requirements, including:

  • Implementing a risk management process.
  • Ensuring high quality and representativeness of datasets.
  • Preparing technical documentation to demonstrate compliance.
  • Ensuring transparency toward end users.
  • Deploy human supervision to minimize risk.
  • Maintain high standards of cybersecurity and accuracy.

  These commitments are designed to reduce risk and increase trust in AI.

• What AI practices are prohibited under the EU AI Act?

  The EU AI Act prohibits AI applications that pose an unacceptable risk, such as:

  • Social scoring by governments.
  • Use of subliminal techniques to manipulate behavior in harmful ways.
  • Real-time biometric identification in public areas for law enforcement, unless specific exceptions apply.

  These prohibitions ensure that AI systems remain ethical.

• How does the EU AI Act affect companies outside the EU?

  Companies outside the EU that provide or use AI systems with an impact within the Union must comply with the EU AI Act. This means they must adapt their systems to the strict requirements, such as transparency and risk management, to maintain access to the European market. This increases the global impact of the regulation.

• What are the penalties for non-compliance with the EU AI Act?

  Companies that violate EU AI Act rules risk hefty fines:

  • Up to €30 million or 6% of annual global turnover, whichever is higher.
  • Lower but still substantial fines apply for less serious violations.

  These penalties underscore the importance of compliance and emphasize the responsibility of companies when using AI.

• How will the EU AI Act impact self-employed individuals and organizations?

  The EU AI Act affects both independent professionals (self-employed) and organizations, regardless of their size. Here are some key impacts:

  • For the self-employed: If you develop, use or implement AI systems, for example in marketing, consulting or technology, you must comply with transparency and risk management requirements. This may mean additional documentation, audits and adjustments to your practices.
  • For organizations: Companies deploying AI need to invest in compliance, such as ensuring dataset quality, implementing risk management processes and creating technical documentation. Organizations in sectors such as healthcare, finance and law enforcement are particularly affected because of the strict rules for high-risk AI applications.

  Both individuals and organizations need to be aware of the potential financial and legal consequences of non-compliance, such as fines and reputational damage.

  The EU AI Act also offers opportunities: following the rules can help build trust among customers and users, which will encourage AI adoption.

• How can you prepare for the EU AI Act?

  Preparation for the EU AI Act is essential to comply with the new regulations and minimize risks. Many businesses and independents are looking for practical steps to become compliant. Here are some key tips to get your organization ready:

  • Conduct a compliance check: Analyze your existing AI systems to determine the extent to which they meet the requirements of the EU AI Act. Identify areas for improvement and prioritize actions.
  • Invest in training and awareness: Make sure your team is well informed about the new obligations. Trainings help to increase knowledge and create awareness about ethical and responsible AI use.
  • Work with experts: Engage specialized consultants to create technical documentation, implement risk management processes and optimize your AI systems.
  • Use appropriate tools and methodologies: Use tools designed to support you in compliance, such as frameworks for transparency, data analytics and risk management.

  By following these steps, you can ensure that your organization is ready to implement the EU AI Act while deploying AI safely and responsibly.

• Do you need training to comply with the EU AI Act?

  Yes, attending a training is highly recommended to fully comply with the requirements of the EU AI Act.

  Although plans are underway to make training mandatory for the use of AI in work-related contexts, this requirement is not yet in effect. However, it is expected to become a reality by 2025. The new AI regulation introduces obligations that require specific knowledge and skills in areas such as compliance, risk management, and ethical AI application. Here are the key reasons why training is essential:

  • Understanding the regulation: The EU AI Act contains complex guidelines. Training helps interpret these clearly and apply them correctly in your operations.
  • Practical compliance: Training enables you to adapt AI systems to meet requirements such as transparency, dataset management, and technical documentation.
  • Avoiding errors and penalties: A solid understanding of the legislation helps prevent costly mistakes and potential sanctions.
  • Building trust: A trained team can implement AI systems more safely, transparently, and ethically, fostering trust among customers and users.

  We look forward to receiving more information soon about what these trainings will entail, their scope, and the specific topics they will cover.

  In short, training is not just helpful but essential to prepare for the implementation of the EU AI Act. Start building the knowledge you need to ensure compliance today!