Implementation of the European AI Act Begins for Major Tech Companies

A new phase in the implementation of the European AI Act (EU AI Act) has come into force, requiring major tech companies to achieve broader compliance including transparency requirements and independent audits for general-purpose AI models.

The European AI Act is the first of its kind globally, classifying AI applications according to their associated risk levels and setting compliance requirements for each category, ranging from mandatory disclosure to complete bans.

Companies such as Google, Meta, Microsoft, and developers of large language models face additional obligations including disclosing training data, conducting risk assessments, and providing mechanisms to appeal automated decisions.

Observers believe that the impact of this law will not be limited to the European Union, but rather it will set a global standard that prompts companies to adjust their products and policies in all markets to comply with these new requirements.

What Do These Terms Mean?

European AI Act (EU AI Act): The world's first binding legislation to regulate artificial intelligence, adopted by the European Union, which classifies its applications according to risk level and sets legal requirements for each.

General-Purpose AI Models (GPAI): Models capable of performing multiple tasks such as writing, translation, and image generation, which are subject to special transparency requirements under European law due to their widespread use.

Compliance Audit: An independent examination verifying that a company or product meets the required legal specifications, serving as one of the key tools in enforcing the European AI Act.