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ARTICLE · 23 JUNE 2026

AI Agents: Navigating Emerging Risks And Compliance Challenges Under EU Law

Steptoe LLP
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Artificial intelligence (AI) has recently entered a new phase, characterized by the increased deployment of so-called "AI Agents." While generative AI has already transformed how organizations function...

BelgiumMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
Anne-Gabrielle Haie
Anne-Gabrielle Haie

Artificial intelligence (AI) has recently entered a new phase, characterized by the increased deployment of so-called "AI Agents." While generative AI has already transformed how organizations function, AI Agents represent a more profound shift. They are not merely tools that produce outputs in response to prompts; rather, they are systems capable of autonomously planning, reasoning, and acting in pursuit of defined objectives. This transition from reactive to goal-oriented AI carries significant legal, regulatory, and governance implications.

Key Takeaways

  • AI Agents are autonomous AI systems that can plan, decompose tasks, and execute multi-step actions across tools and environments with limited human oversight.

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