The EU Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act), formally known as EU Regulation 2024/1689, came into force on August 1, 2024. While its provisions will be implemented gradually, the regulation establishes a unified legal framework for the development, deployment, and use of AI technologies within the European Union. Below is an overview of the key deadlines and obligations to help businesses effectively prepare for compliance.
Overview of the AI Act
The AI Act provides a comprehensive approach to regulating AI technologies across the EU, prioritizing safety, transparency, and accountability. Unlike directives, the AI Act applies directly across all Member States without the need for national transposition, ensuring uniformity in its implementation. It categorises AI systems based on risk levels:
- Prohibited AI Practices
- High-Risk AI Systems
- General-Purpose AI Models
- Limited-Risk AI Systems
Each category carries different compliance requirements tailored to its potential impact on individuals and society.
Key Dates and Transitional Periods
2 February 2025: Prohibition of Certain AI Practices
From this date, AI systems deemed to pose an unacceptable risk will be banned. These include AI systems used for unauthorized facial recognition data collection or systems that exploit vulnerabilities of specific groups. The prohibition covers both the development and use of such systems.
2 May 2025: Voluntary Codes of Practice for General AI Models
By this date, the AI Office will publish voluntary codes of practice to assist providers of general-purpose AI models in meeting compliance requirements. These codes will function similarly to GDPR codes of conduct, offering providers a pathway to demonstrate adherence to their obligations under the regulation.
2 August 2025: Enforcement and Governance Framework
By mid-2025, Member States must have a governance structure in place to oversee compliance with the AI Act. This includes:
- National Competent Authorities: Designated bodies to supervise AI activities, including conformity assessments for high-risk systems.
- European Artificial Intelligence Board: A central advisory body comprising representatives from all Member States to provide guidance and ensure consistency.
- AI Office: Empowered to monitor and enforce rules specific to general-purpose AI models, including imposing penalties for non-compliance.
2 August 2026: Full Application of the AI Act
From this date, most of the regulation’s provisions will come into effect. Key areas of application include:
- High-Risk AI Systems: Providers will need to implement robust risk management frameworks, ensure transparency, and comply with conformity assessments. Deployers will also need to conduct impact assessments before using high-risk AI systems in sensitive contexts.
- Limited-Risk AI Systems: Providers must meet transparency requirements, such as informing users when interacting with an AI system.
2 August 2027: Safety-Critical AI Systems
AI systems integrated as safety components in products such as medical devices, machinery, or toys will need to comply with high-risk requirements. Providers of general-purpose AI models launched before August 2025 must also achieve compliance by this deadline.
2 August 2030: AI in Large-Scale IT Systems
AI systems embedded in major IT infrastructures, such as the Schengen Information System, must align with the AI Act by this date if they were operational before 2027.
Exemptions for Existing High-Risk AI Systems
High-risk AI systems already in use before August 2026 may be exempt if they remain unchanged. However, public authority deployments must comply fully by 2030.
How G&P Law Can Support Your Business
Navigating the AI Act’s complexities requires strategic planning and expert guidance. G&P Law offers a range of services to assist organizations, including:
- Risk assessments and identify applicable obligations.
- Guidance on creating frameworks and conducting conformity assessments.
- Support in drafting documentation and ensuring compliance with the requirements.
Don’t wait to prepare for the AI Act’s requirements. Reach out to G&P Law today to ensure your business is ready for these new regulatory demands.
Author: Cristina Gotzeva
Images: Canva Pro