What is it?
The EU AI Act entered into force in August 2024 with obligations phased in over time. It classifies AI by risk: prohibited, high-risk, transparency obligations and minimal risk. It also requires AI providers and deployers to ensure sufficient AI literacy among their staff.
Why does it matter?
Even where it does not apply directly, its risk-based logic has become a global reference and international partners often expect similar practices.
Who needs it?
- Companies selling into the EU
- Organizations with EU partners
- Legal and compliance teams
Key concepts
Risk-based approach
The greater an AI system’s potential impact, the stricter the requirements.
AI literacy
Organizations must ensure sufficient AI literacy for staff working with AI systems.
Roles
Different obligations for providers and deployers.
Requirements
- Obligations depend on role and risk class; consult the official text and legal counsel for decisions.
Implementation
- 01Identify AI systems and their risk class
- 02Determine your role (provider or deployer)
- 03Run an AI literacy program
- 04Gap analysis against relevant obligations
Assessment
The readiness assessment is not a legal assessment, but it highlights governance and training gaps.
Training
The Foundation track (AI Literacy) directly addresses staff AI literacy.
Resources
This page is AI STANDARD's explanation and interpretation; it does not reproduce the official text. Obtain the full standard from its publisher.