Regulation guide
The EU AI Act and AI regulation
The AI Act is the EU's landmark AI regulation — the most comprehensive of the world's laws on artificial intelligence. This guide explains how the EU AI Act classifies systems by risk and what each tier must do.
The basics
What is the AI Act?
High-risk AI carries the heaviest load
High risk AI systems — think biometrics, critical infrastructure, employment or essential services — must meet strict requirements for risk management, data quality, transparency and human oversight.A risk-based AI regulation
The EU AI Act regulates AI by risk: prohibited practices, high-risk AI systems, limited-risk and minimal-risk uses each carry different duties.
Part of a global shift
Regulating artificial intelligence is now a worldwide trend. The EU AI Act is the reference point other regulations on AI are measured against.
Who it affects
Providers, deployers, importers and distributors of AI systems placed on the EU market all carry obligations under this artificial intelligence regulation.
The EU AI Act risk tiers
Unacceptable risk
Prohibited practices such as social scoring and manipulative AI.
High risk
Permitted but tightly regulated: conformity assessment, documentation and oversight.
Limited risk
Transparency duties, such as telling users they are interacting with AI.
Minimal risk
Most AI, with few or no additional obligations.
Where to next
Operationalise the AI Act
Governance
An AI governance framework is how you meet AI Act obligations day to day.
Risk management
AI risk management maps directly to the high-risk requirements.
Management system
ISO 42001 gives you a certifiable structure for AI Act compliance.
EU AI Act FAQs
What is the AI Act?
A risk-based EU AI regulation that sets obligations for AI systems based on the risk they pose.
What are high risk AI systems?
AI used in areas such as biometrics, critical infrastructure, education, employment and essential services, subject to strict requirements.
How does it compare to other AI regulation?
The EU AI Act is broader and more prescriptive than most other laws on artificial intelligence, making it a de facto global benchmark.
Get ahead of the EU AI Act.
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