AI Act Fundamentals
What is the EU AI Act?
An Understandable Introduction
At a Glance
The EU AI Act creates the first comprehensive regulatory framework for AI. In this article, we explain in an understandable and practical way what the regulation covers, who it affects, what obligations arise, and what companies should do now.
1. What is the AI Act exactly?
The AI Act is the world's first comprehensive law regulating Artificial Intelligence. Its goal is to promote trustworthy AI, minimize risks, and simultaneously enable innovation in Europe.
The regulation is binding for all companies that develop, offer, or use AI systems in the EU – even if the company is based outside the EU.
The Core Idea of the AI Act
The AI Act follows a risk-based approach: The higher the potential risk of an AI system to people and their fundamental rights, the stricter the regulatory requirements.
2. Who does the AI Act affect?
The AI Act has a broad scope of application. It affects not only developers but also companies that use AI systems (deployers). Even the use of third-party tools like chatbots or HR software falls under the regulation.
Important: Even if you don't develop AI yourself but only use it, you must comply with the AI Act requirements.
3. The Four Risk Categories at a Glance
Unacceptable Risk (Prohibited)
Examples: Social scoring, emotion recognition in the workplace.
Consequence: These systems are fundamentally prohibited.
High Risk
Examples: AI in medical devices, HR tools, credit scoring.
Consequence: Strict requirements apply such as risk management, documentation, and human oversight.
Limited Risk
Examples: Chatbots, deepfakes.
Consequence: Transparency requirements apply. Users must know they are interacting with an AI.
Minimal Risk
Examples: Spam filters, AI in video games.
Consequence: No additional obligations under the AI Act.
4. What Companies Should Do Now
5. Conclusion
The EU AI Act is a reality whose transition periods are already running. Companies should view it not as an obstacle but as an opportunity. Those who prepare proactively now create legal certainty and trust – a decisive competitive advantage in the age of AI.
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