The EU AI Act aims to create a level playing field for AI innovation. Here’s what it is.
The EU’s new AI Act, billed as the world’s first comprehensive AI law, sets uniform rules for developers and users across all 27 member states—and beyond. It uses a risk-based system to ban the most dangerous AI applications, tightly regulate high-risk uses and impose lighter rules elsewhere. Rollout began in August 2024 with phased deadlines (notably August 2, 2025 for general-purpose AI) and hefty fines up to 7% of global turnover. Major players like Google have signed a voluntary compliance code, while Meta refuses.