EU AI Act into force 1 August 2024

The EU AI Act came into force across all 27 EU member states on 1 August 2024. The aim of the legislation is to ensure AI systems used in the EU are safe and transparent.

Most of the AI Act will be fully applicable on 2 August 2026 after a 24-month transition period.

However, certain provisions of the AI Act will apply sooner. This includes the ban on AI systems posing unacceptable risks, applicable on 2 February 2025. Certain high-risk systems have a longer transition period, and requirements related to them will not apply until 2 August 2027.

Recently, the European Commission has invited providers of GPAI systems and models (e.g. OpenAI and Google) operating in the EU to participate in a consultation on a Code of Practice. Views from providers, along with other stakeholders will be used to inform the Commission's draft Code of Practice. The Code of Practice must be ready by May 2025.

For a more detailed explanation of the EU AI Act and requirements for businesses it applies to, see our Summer 2024 Snapshots.

Autumn 2024