In Short
The Situation: The European Union's
Artificial Intelligence Act ("AI Act"), the world's first
comprehensive legal framework on AI, entered into force on August
1, 2024. The AI Act sets out staggered compliance deadlines for the
various areas that it regulates.
The Development: The AI Act's first
compliance deadline was February 2, 2025. As of this date, the EU
now applies the prohibited risk category, thereby effectively
prohibiting the use of AI systems deemed to pose "unacceptable
risks." Additionally, AI Act Literacy Rules became applicable
the same day.
Looking Ahead: More compliance deadlines lie
ahead in the next few years, in addition to the European Commission
issuing further guidelines for complying with the AI Act. The EC
also issued the Second Draft of General Purpose AI Code of Practice
to provide clarity and support consistent compliance for general
purpose AI models.