As I sit here, sipping my morning coffee and scrolling through the latest tech news, my mind is buzzing with the implications of the European Union's Artificial Intelligence Act, or the EU AI Act, which officially started to apply just a couple of weeks ago, on February 2, 2025.

The EU AI Act is a landmark piece of legislation designed to promote the safe and trustworthy development and deployment of AI in the EU. It introduces a risk-based approach, categorizing AI systems into four risk levels: minimal, limited, high, and unacceptable. What's particularly noteworthy is that from February 2025, the Act prohibits AI systems that present an unacceptable risk, including those that pose clear threats to people's safety, rights, and livelihoods.

For instance, AI systems that manipulate or exploit individuals, perform social scoring, or infer individuals' emotions in workplaces or educational institutions are now banned. This is a significant step forward in protecting fundamental rights and ensuring that AI is used ethically.

But what does this mean for companies offering or using AI tools in the EU? Well, they now have to ensure that their staff have a sufficient level of knowledge and understanding about AI, including its opportunities and risks. This requirement applies to all companies that use AI, even in a low-risk manner, which means implementing AI governance policies and AI training programs for staff is now a must.

The enforcement structure is a bit more complex. Each EU country has to identify the competent regulators to enforce the Act, and they have until August 2, 2025, to do so. Some countries, like Spain, have taken a centralized approach by establishing a new dedicated AI agency, while others may follow a decentralized model. The European Commission is also working on guidelines for prohibited AI practices and has recently published draft guidelines on the definition of an AI system.

As I delve deeper into the details, I realize that the EU AI Act is not just about regulation; it's about fostering a culture of responsibility and transparency in AI development. It's about ensuring that AI is used to benefit society, not harm it. And as the tech world continues to evolve at breakneck speed, it's crucial that we stay informed and adapt to these changes.

The EU AI Act is a significant step forward in this direction, and I'm eager to see how it will shape the future of AI in the EU. With the first enforcement actions expected in the second half of 2025, companies have a narrow window to get their AI governance in order. It's time to take AI responsibility seriously.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI