EU's artificial intelligence regulation law comes into effect
Illustrative photo: The EU's artificial intelligence regulation law comes into effect (Getty Images)
As of today, August 1, the European Union has enacted the world's first regulation on artificial intelligence. Its goal is to protect people from risks associated with artificial intelligence., according to a press release from the European Commission.
According to the European Commission, this law aims to ensure that artificial intelligence developed in the EU is trustworthy and protects fundamental rights.
The law is intended to create a harmonized internal market for artificial intelligence in the EU, promote the use of this technology, and create a favorable environment for innovation and investment.
At the same time, systems developed using artificial intelligence (such as chatbots - ed.) must now clearly inform users that they are interacting with a machine. Companies may also voluntarily adopt additional codes of conduct related to artificial intelligence.
The law includes strict requirements for high-risk AI systems. They must maintain activity logs, provide clear information to users, and adhere to cybersecurity standards. AI systems that are deemed to pose an obvious threat to fundamental human rights will be banned.
By August 2, 2025, EU member states must appoint national competent authorities to oversee the implementation of AI regulations and conduct market surveillance.
Most provisions of the Artificial Intelligence Act will come into effect on August 2, 2026. However, the ban on AI systems posing unacceptable risks will take effect in six months, and rules for so-called general-purpose AI models will come into force within 12 months.
Regulating artificial intelligence
Around the world, lawmakers have begun considering how to regulate AI and prevent potential threats from its use.
Specifically, the CEO of OpenAI, which created ChatGPT, has urged the US Congress to regulate artificial intelligence.
In November 2024, the US, EU, UK, and China signed a joint declaration stating that artificial intelligence potentially poses a catastrophic risk to humanity.
